WOODRIDGE, Illinois (July 2025) – Hendrickson announces the official launch of STEERTEK™ NXT front steer axle and suspension systems on Pierce’s Sabre & Enforcer chassis, HME’s1871 chassis, and E-One’s Typhoon & Cyclone chassis. The STEERTEK NXT front axle and suspension system utilizes a spring clamp group and a fabricated box-shaped axle.  

The features of Hendrickson’s STEERTEK NXT front axle and suspension system 
include: 

• Maximized Ride Comfort and Handling: The STEERTEK NXT system incorporates a custom-tuned shock and an optimized parabolic spring. A threaded pin bushing is utilized in the spring end allowing for simplification of spring alignment, longer service life, and improved roll stability. 

• Increased Maneuverability: The STEERTEK NXT system offers multiple Ackermann configurations along with a 45° cramp angle to achieve a tighter turning radius and greater maneuverability. 

• Reduced Maintenance: One-piece knuckle design helps reduce maintenance and downtime. Premium pin bushings and seals provide enhanced protection. 

About Hendrickson: 

Hendrickson, a Boler company, is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of medium- and heavy-duty mechanical, elastomeric and air suspensions; integrated and non-integrated axle and brake systems; tire pressure control systems; auxiliary lift axle systems; parabolic and multi-leaf springs; stabilizers; bumpers; and components to the global commercial transportation industry. Hendrickson, based in Woodridge, IL., USA, continues to meet the needs of the transportation industry for more than 100 years. Visit Hendrickson at www.hendrickson-intl.com. 

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Bexar County (TX) Emergency Services District No.4 (BESD) welcomed Engines 132 and 134 on August 4 with a push-in ceremony. According to boernestar.com, BESD received the new vehicles just in time to retire two older engines.  

Captain Michael Schmitz shared that the original engines were built back in 2006. When choosing new vehicles this time around, they were custom built by Pierce.  

The new pumpers are built on a Pierce Enforcer chassis powered by a 510-hp PACCAR MX-13 engine and feature a TAK-4 Independent Front Suspension. They also include a 1500-gpm Waterous Midship pump and carry 1000 gallons of water. 

The two trucks were purchased after three years of saving tax revenues. Each engine costs around $900,000 each. The entire process from order to delivery took 30 months.  

BESD 4 ordered a ladder truck as well, but that isn’t expected until February of 2028.  

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The Redding (CA) Fire Department revealed the meticulous maintenance work that ensures its fire apparatus are always ready for emergencies, according to a report by krcrtv.com.

At Station 8, Fire Engineer Chase Rulofson is responsible for conducting a comprehensive daily review of the rigs, which includes checking everything from sirens to brakes and pumps, the report said. At the beginning of every shift, Rulofson has to do a full D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) check, making sure all components are inspected.

Engineers, who drive the engines and pump the water, undergo a rigorous test that can take up to five years to complete, according to the report.

The city’s specialized fire mechanic team is on standby to perform necessary repairs, the report said.

In addition to the daily checks, the department also conducts more in-depth weekly and monthly inspections to ensure its rigs are always ready to serve the public.

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The Jamesville (NC) Community Volunteer Fire Department made the following Facebook post Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025:

At approximately 5:10 p.m. Tuesday, a fire broke out involving a fire apparatus inside Jamesville Community Volunteer Fire Department, located at 1035 Hayes Drive. The incident was quickly contained by onsite personnel with assistance from Williamston Fire / Rescue / EMS and Griffins Township Fire Department. There were no reported injuries.

The fire originated in a parked fire truck (Tower-16) inside the apparatus bay. Firefighters acted swiftly to suppress the fire, prevent its spread to nearby vehicles and equipment, and ensure the safety of all personnel onsite. Mutual aid from neighboring stations was called to assist, and the fire was declared under control within 30 minutes.

“Thanks to the rapid response of our firefighters, what could have been a much more serious incident was brought under control quickly and safely,” Chief Michael Pierce said in the post. “We’re thankful there were no injuries, and operations at the station have resumed with some modifications.”

The affected fire truck (Tower-16) sustained significant damage and is currently being evaluated. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire, which is not considered suspicious at this time.

Operations within the department will continue uninterrupted, with backup apparatus (mutual aid aerial) already in place to ensure ongoing emergency response capability.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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Fire Station 9 of the Ailene Fire Department is currently underway. The new station is in an area that is experiencing residential and commercial growth. According to a myfoxzone.com article, the demand for emergency response is increasing.

The station is being built to accommodate apparatus and personnel with features such as larger bays and more storage. Station 9 will be Abilene’s only two-story firehouse, with living quarters on the upper level. It will be staffed by the crew from Station 6, the technical rescue hub.

Due to its location, the station will have access to a large brush truck and increased water-carrying proficiency. This will aid in the response time of wildland and rural fires.

The project is aimed at being completed by November of 2025. Chief Cande Flores shares that this station is more than just another facility, but it is an investment in public safety.

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