PRESS RELEASE
APPLETON, Wis. — Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, and the City of Madison Fire Department, announce the first Pierce Volterra electric pumper production unit ordered is now in service with the City of Madison Fire Department in Wisconsin. This milestone represents the culmination of years of collaboration and commitment to advancing zero-emissions technology in the fire service industry.
The City of Madison Fire Department became the first in North America to test and evaluate the Pierce Volterra platform in a live operational environment, and today, they celebrate the first production custom unit in their fleet—a significant achievement for both the department and the city’s broader sustainability agenda.
“We are proud to officially welcome the first Pierce Volterra electric pumper production unit,” said Fire Chief Chris Carbon of the City of Madison Fire Department. “This vehicle is a testament to our department’s dedication to innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship. The partnership with Pierce has enabled us to deliver the highest-quality apparatus to our firefighters and the community we serve.”
The custom-built electric pumper is designed to align with the City of Madison’s environmental and operational goals, offering zero-emissions pumping and driving in EV mode. It features Pierce’s patented parallel-electric drivetrain and a comprehensive charging infrastructure supported by Madison Gas and Electric, helping to ensure uninterrupted performance and seamless integration into the department’s fleet.
Rachel Darken, Assistant Fleet Superintendent for the City of Madison, emphasized the significance of this delivery. “Fire trucks are among the most challenging vehicles to electrify, and seeing the first production unit delivered to Madison is a remarkable achievement,” she said. “Adding this electric pumper to our fleet showcases Madison’s commitment to being at the forefront of clean energy innovation while supporting our first responders in their critical mission.”