In this episode of The Pierce™ Dispatch, we welcome Ricky Riley, who shares his extensive fire industry experience and has worked with Pierce for over the past 30 years. The discussion covers topics including fire service experiences on multiple different fire departments, advice for fleet managers and the importance of investing in people. It is crucial to maintain and repair fire apparatus to meet the operational needs of frontline firefighters. Ricky highlights the significance of data, maintenance and an unwavering dedication to fire service readiness.

Date Aired: 1/31/2025

Featuring: Ricky Riley & host Dan Meyer

Guests:

• Ricky Riley is currently the Fire Apparatus Manager with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department in Maryland. He also serves as a firefighter, former chief and member of the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department in Maryland. Ricky spent 20 years as a Firefighter with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue, and 11 years as the Operations Chief of Clearwater Fire & Rescue in Florida. Finally, he serves on the editorial board for Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Magazine as well the FDIC advisory board.
• Dan Meyer is the vice president of sales at Pierce Manufacturing.

Resources:

• Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department – Velocity® 100’ Ascendant® Aerial Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower
  • Fire emergency medical services
• Fire apparatus maintenance
  • Fire apparatus dealer benefits
  • Benefits of Standardizing fire truck fleet
• Product and Pierce parts support
  • Pierce Parts
  • Product support
  • Fire truck product support
• Fire Truck Procurement
  • 4 critical factors for an effective fire truck procurement committee
  • Pierce Manufacturing's Workforce
• Pierce® ClearSky Intelligence™ Connectivity Solutions
  • Pierce® ClearSky Intelligence™ podcast episode
  • Benefits of fire truck telematics

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.

Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page.

We are launching Season No.2 of the Pierce™ Dispatch with a monumental episode spotlighting Monument Fire District, Colorado, and their Ascendant® 100’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower! We are joined by both Chief Andy Kovacs and Division Chief Jamey Bumgarner to discuss their recent delivery and elements of their department.

Date Aired: 1/17/2025

Featuring: Fire Chief Andy Kovacs, Division Chief Jamey Bumgarner & host Alie Reetz

Guests:

• Fire Chief Andy Kovacs has over three decades of public safety experience and currently serves on the Monument Fire District in Colorado.
• Division Chief of Administration Jamey Bumgarner is approaching four decades of experience in the fire industry and currently leads the administration division at Monument Fire District in Colorado.
• Alie Reetz is instrumental in connecting customers with the perfect builds for their unique needs. She plays a critical role in supporting social media, web presence, and direct customer interaction at Pierce, ensuring every apparatus meets the precise needs of the firefighters who use them.

Resources:

• Monument Fire District – Velocity® 100’ Ascendant® Aerial Heavy-Duty Aerial Tower
• Aerials
  • Types of aerial devices
  • Types of aerial fire trucks
  • Ascendant class
  • Ascendant aerial guide
  • Platforms
• Aerial Operations
• Aerial design
  • Aerial no pump no tank vs. aerial with pump and tank
  • Maximize aerial fire truck storage
  • What is a quint fire truck
  • Fire apparatus design ordering process
• Fire truck procurement - purchasing guide
  • 4 critical factors for an effective fire truck procurement committee
• Pierce® ClearSky Intelligence™ Connectivity Solutions
  • Pierce Dispatch Episode 16

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.

Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page.

In the finale episode of Season No.1, Dan and Alie recap Pierce’s year of innovations and community involvement. They highlight standout episodes, including interviews with customers and product experts, special events such as the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, FDIC and the Pierce® Volterra™ EV Road Tour. They share memorable interactions with various fire departments, the adoption of new technologies and the importance of community events and customer relationships. They also tease upcoming events for 2025, including the Pierce Volterra’s appearance at the CES show in Las Vegas and the upcoming Road Rally.
Date Aired: 12/13/2024
Featuring: Host Dan Meyer & Host Alie Reetz
Dan Meyer is the vice president of sales at Pierce Manufacturing.
Alie Reetz is a marketing associate at Pierce Manufacturing

Key Takeaways:
Pierce™ Dispatch Season No.1 episodes
2024 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field - Donate here
Pierce PUC™ Pump
Pierce® ClearSky Intelligence™ Connectivity Solutions
Pierce Give Back Program beneficiaries - Lundgaard Park / National Fallen Firefighters Foundation / St. Jude / United Way
PACCAR MX-13 Engine
Pierce® Volterra™ EV Road Tour
Pierce Volterra
Pierce Road Rally
Pierce Facility Upgrades and Manufacturing Innovation
Oshkosh Corporation at CES

Highlighted Apparatus:
South County Fire Department – Enforcer™ Pumper, South County, WA
Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company – Velocity® Non-Walk-In Heavy-Duty Rescue, Walkersville, MD
Indianapolis Fire Department, Indianapolis, IN
Omaha Fire Department, Omaha, NB
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, San Diego, CA
Calgary Fire Department, Calgary, AB
Baltimore County Fire Department, Towson, MA
Fayetteville Fire Department, Fayetteville, AR
Columbus Division of Fire, Columbus, OH
Urbandale Fire Department, Urbandale, IA

Join us as we continue to bring together customers, industry professionals and Pierce experts in future episodes, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the advancements and challenges within the firefighting community.

Whether you’re in the market for the latest in fire apparatus technology, or just passionate about the firefighting community and its evolution, this episode of Pierce™ Dispatch is for you.

For any feedback, questions or to subscribe, visit the Pierce™ Dispatch page.