A ladder truck made for the Broussard, La., fire department contains a milestone engine.
Pierce Manufacturing's 1,000th Paccar MX-13 engine was installed in a 107-foot Ascendant Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder Truck purchased through Siddons-Martin Emergency Group.
"Our community continues to grow upward and outward, and we needed an aerial device that can meet today's challenges while preparing for tomorrow's," says Chief Bryan Champagne. "The 107-foot Ascendant Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder gives us the extra height we need with the maneuverability required for our smaller streets. Combined with Pierce's quality along with the added storage and clean layout of the (Pierce Ultimate Configuration pump), this apparatus will serve our city for many years to come."
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Pierce began offering the MX-13 in its custom chassis in 2021, saying it brings exceptional reliability, smooth operation and simplified maintenance to first responders across the country.
"The delivery of our 1,000th Paccar engine marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to offer fire departments the best combination of performance, serviceability and long-term value," says John Schultz, vice president and general manager at Pierce. "Fire departments like Broussard trust Pierce because we listen to their needs and collaborate with partners like Paccar to deliver technology that enhances safety, efficiency and operator confidence."
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Champagne says this is the department's first Paccar engine. Previous engines required specialized service and a long trip to a dealer. Using Paccar engines will allow the department to use nearby Kenworth and Peterbilt service.
"That flexibility, combined with Pierce's presentation of the engine's capabilities and cost benefits, made it an easy choice," he says.
Siddons-Martin Emergency Group sales representative Danny Denais feels a personal connection to the new truck. He served with the Broussard Fire Department for more than 20 years, including 12 years as chief.
"It's an honor to support a department and community that have shaped so much of my life," Denais says. "Pierce delivers exceptional quality and the Broussard Fire Department has always palced a high value on long-term reliability and service. Reaching this 1,000th Paccar engine milestone together makes it even more meaningful."
