For the third time in nearly as many decades, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development could be key to the city replenishing the Fall River Fire Department’s fleet of fire apparatus, this time through a $2.5 million loan secured through the Community Development Agency, HeraldNews.com reported. 

This third wave of HUD loans, if approved, will be used to purchase a replacement for the department’s Aerial Ladder Truck 4 and Engine Pumper 9, which is planned to be housed in the Flint/Reney/Eastwood Fire Station on Eastern Avenue, the report said. 

The application needs a nod from the city council which is expected to vote on November 22, but it’s a deal for city taxpayers with the CDA paying back the loan in full, rather than through the general fund, according to the report. 

A city official said he is confident that the $2.5 million loan will be approved, saying the council has always been supportive of public safety, the report said. 

For the third time in nearly as many decades, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development could be key to the city replenishing the Fall River Fire Department’s fleet of fire apparatus, this time through a $2.5 million loan secured through the Community Development Agency, HeraldNews.com reported. 

This third wave of HUD loans, if approved, will be used to purchase a replacement for the department’s Aerial Ladder Truck 4 and Engine Pumper 9, which is planned to be housed in the Flint/Reney/Eastwood Fire Station on Eastern Avenue, the report said. 

The application needs a nod from the city council which is expected to vote on November 22, but it’s a deal for city taxpayers with the CDA paying back the loan in full, rather than through the general fund, according to the report. 

A city official said he is confident that the $2.5 million loan will be approved, saying the council has always been supportive of public safety, the report said. 

The new service center increases accessibility and service capacity for customers throughout central and northern Alberta, Canada.

APPLETON, Wis. (November 18, 2022) – Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, announced its Canada-based dealer, Commercial Emergency Equipment Co., has relocated and expanded its Edmonton, Alberta operations to a new service center in Sherwood Park, located near the interchange of Anthony Henday Drive and Sherwood Park Freeway east of the city of Edmonton. With nearly 50,000 square-feet, the new facility is double the size of the previous building and well situated in an area offering convenient access to customers throughout central and northern Alberta.

“The new service center substantially increases our accessibility, service capacity, and parts availability, allowing us to reduce downtime for our customers by getting apparatus back into service faster,” said Morgan MacKay, general manager of Commercial Emergency Equipment “We are very appreciative of Pierce’s support as we’ve grown our business, and excited to continue providing the best products and service to our customers throughout Canada.”

Similar to Pierce Manufacturing’s inspection floor in Appleton, Wisconsin, the new facility includes a “Blue Floor” delivery bay for customers to inspect new fire apparatus. In conjunction with Commercial Emergency Equipment’s new service center offerings, a second mobile service unit will be instituted, further increasing the ability to rapidly respond to customer needs.

Key features of Commercial Emergency Equipment’s new service center include:

• 50,000 square-foot facility on 5.5 acres, with significant yard space for storage and future expansion
• 19 total service bays with dedicated emergency service areas
• 10,000 square-foot parts and tool warehouse
• (3) 5-ton overhead cranes
• Expansive showroom with reception, parts, and service desks, customer waiting area, and the capability to display aerial apparatus
• Large meeting and training room

The new facility will also service Oshkosh Airport Products’ Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) trucks, with maintenance on an Oshkosh Striker^® 8×8 already executed in one of the facility’s completed bays.

MacKay added, “With a larger footprint, we look forward to increasing our support of the Edmonton community through initiatives like the Edmonton Public Schools’ Registered Apprentice Program (RAP), which helps high school students get apprenticeship experience in various trades. We are excited to welcome registered apprentices this fall once the new service center is fully open.”  

For more information about Pierce Manufacturing and the new Commercial Emergency Equipment service center in Edmonton, Alberta, visit www.piercemfg.com.

Read the features and news on fire trucks and fire equipment from the November 2022 issue of Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment magazine.