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Pierce mechanic works on Pierce fire truck

A fire apparatus is designed and manufactured to the unique specifications of a fire department — shouldn't the service and maintenance training be customized for each apparatus?

To extend the life of a fire truck and achieve optimal truck performance, fire department personnel and mechanics must understand the unique features of each truck in their fleet. Technicians should also understand how to perform inspections, routine maintenance and repairs. Beyond standardized Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) training, they should have specialized training on each unique apparatus within the fleet.

Pierce Manufacturing has been proud to offer customized service training since 1997, covering a wide curriculum in addition to offering master technician training classes. As a fire department considers its next apparatus purchase, they should remember the importance of access to hands-on service training and service maintenance tailored to match custom apparatus.

Where Does Pierce Offer Fire Truck Maintenance and Service Training?

A hanging white sign reading 'parts and service' in black font with a red outline.Pierce offers several fire truck maintenance and service training options designed to meet the needs of both customers and dealers.

  • Pierce Appleton Training. Customers and dealers can opt to attend service training classes held in Appleton, WI, in the Pierce Training Center across from the Pierce Assembly Plant.
  • Regional Service Training Centers. Regional training centers are designed to minimize travel required to complete training and offer customers and dealers convenient access to training opportunities. Regional training centers are in Bradenton, FL, Las Vegas, NV, Fort Worth, TX, Virginia Beach, VA and Myrtle Beach, SC.
  • In-House Training Services. If specialized training is required or if a large number of employees need to be trained at one time, Pierce representatives can be sent to the department to conduct in-house training.
  • Mini-Regional Training. Each year, Pierce selects additional training locations across North America. Visit our training page or contact Pierce to see if a mini-regional training is available near you.

Understanding the technical details and mechanical configuration needs of sophisticated fire apparatus requires extensive training. Pierce’s training classes consist of both classroom instruction and hands-on technical training with fire apparatus.

Are you interested in learning more? View Pierce service training class options now.

What Is a Pierce Master Technician?

A Pierce Master Technician works under the fire truck cab

To provide service excellence across North America, Pierce introduced a master technician program for Pierce staff and dealers more than 15 years ago. The program focuses on providing customers with highly-trained service technicians who understand the technical aspects of each custom apparatus and who are capable of performing maintenance and repairs with expertise.

  • To complete the master technician program, dealer technicians must complete six classes. These have been identified as the foundation for Pierce apparatus service and repair.
  • Once the course work is complete, applicants take a written, closed book exam. Every five years, applicants must recertify to maintain their master technician title.

Pierce customers have access to master technicians through their local dealer and also through the Pierce Product Support staff via phone or email providing customers with a 24/7 hotline dedicated to answering service and maintenance inquiries.

What are the Benefits of Fire Truck Service Training?

Fire departments are on call 24-hours a day and never know when an emergency call will require fire apparatus support. Through service training programs, firefighters, mechanics, technicians, and dealers are provided with the knowledge and ability to diagnose issues and perform repairs.

In fact, there are many benefits that come with fire truck service training, including:

Less Truck Downtime

Communities are at risk when fire trucks cannot respond to service calls. Fire trucks can stay in service for longer periods of time when firefighters and local dealers are armed with the knowledge to perform daily apparatus inspections and diagnose required repairs. Fire trucks that can be repaired on-site or at local dealerships decreases downtime substantially, allowing fire stations to operate at full capacity.

Quicker Access to Parts and Support

Knowing the technical requirements of an apparatus allows you to know the parts required to perform service and repairs. This gives the autonomy and freedom to reach out to a regional training facility to attain service support or required parts to complete repairs.

Preventative Maintenance Improves Performance

Preventive maintenance can improve the longevity and lifespan of an apparatus and optimizes truck performance. Understanding how and when to perform inspections and what preventative fire apparatus repairs are required to keep trucks in service are just some of the tools that can help improve the performance of a fleet.

Financial Savings Over the Long-Run

Completing minor fire truck repairs promptly can prevent further damage and reduce unexpected maintenance costs. When firefighters, fire truck mechanics, and dealers understand the specific needs of each apparatus, they are equipped to manage inspections and make minor repairs quickly and efficiently.

Improved Customer Experience

Knowing that a fire truck comes with the support of knowledgeable dealers, master technicians, and access to year-round hands-on training can make a big difference in the fire apparatus selection process. As you select the right fire apparatus manufacturer, consider the value you place in service training and fire truck maintenance as it contributes to an ideal customer experience.

What Fire Truck Service Training Classes Does Pierce Offer?

Pierce fire truck service training classes show a fire apparatus on a lify

Pierce Manufacturing currently offers 15 classes on a variety of different vehicles and vehicle systems. Most classes are taught in a 16-hour, 2-day format, with a combination of classroom and hands-on instruction.

For a detailed look at all classes and class descriptions, please review the Pierce resource page. Below, please find a general overview of each class.

  • Chassis Electrical - Understand the location and function of (non-multiplex) electrical systems and components used on Pierce® chassis.
  • Command Zone™ Systems - Get detailed instruction on the Pierce Command Zone™ electrical systems including the new Command Zone III.
  • Preventative Maintenance - Become an expert in preventive maintenance procedures required for fire apparatus based on NFPA and DOT Standards.
  • TAK-4® Suspension Maintenance - Learn the basic design and principles of the TAK-4® Independent Front Suspension system, including proper maintenance and repair.
  • SRP/Frontal Protection - Get expert instruction on the installation, repair, and troubleshooting of the SRP/FIP system.
  • CAFS/Husky Maintenance - Learn the principles of operation, maintenance, and repair of all the Pierce Husky™ Foam Systems and the Hercules™ Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS).
  • Air Conditioning Systems - Get the basics on repairs, troubleshooting and maintenance needs of Pierce installed components.
  • Aerial Maintenance - Understand the proper repair and maintenance of Pierce aerial ladders and platforms.
  • Pierce PUC™ Pump Maintenance - Learn the basic principles of operation, maintenance and complete disassembly of the REPTO driven water pump and gearbox.
  • Air Brakes, ESC, ABS Troubleshooting - Learn basic air brake theory and proper repair and maintenance procedures on chassis air brake systems.
  • Ascendant Mid Mount - This course is designed to instruct the student on the proper repair and maintenance of Ascendant Class 100' Aerial tower by using both classroom and hands-on Training.
  • TAK-4 T3 - The one-day TAK-4® T3 maintenance class will cover the proper maintenance and troubleshooting of the T3 features.
  • Tiller Aerial Maintenance- This course is designed to instruct student on the proper repair and maintenance of the Pierce® Tiller Aerial ladders, by using both classroom and hands-on training.

When taking advantage of classes and utilizing the 24/7 support of the mechanics and master technicians, fire departments are bound to be successful.

A red Pierce fire apparatus with service technician in a blue jumpsuit working on the apparatus.

Fire Truck Service Training FAQs

Q: Is the training suitable for beginners or is it aimed at experienced technicians?

Pierce training is suitable for both beginners and experienced technicians. The industry and related technology is always changing, so whether you are new to the industry or an experienced veteran, training offers something for everyone

Q: How long does the training program last and what is the format?

The majority of Pierce training classes are taught in a 16-hour, 2-day format, with a combination of classroom and hands-on instruction.

Q: Are there any certifications or qualifications provided upon completion of the training?

For each completed class, participants will receive an online certificate they can save, share or print to demonstrate they have the knowledge to use and apply all acquired skills.

 

For more detailed information on classes and locations, please review the resource center webpage.

 
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Posted: Jun 17, 2024 8:30:00 AM by Pierce Mfg.

Topics: Maintenance/Service, Pierce Manufacturing, Inc.

About Pierce Manufacturing
Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] business, is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, mini pumpers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce frontal airbags and the Side Roll Protection system to fire apparatus. To learn more about Pierce, visit www.piercemfg.com.

About Oshkosh Corporation

At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs over 18,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh® S-Series™, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, Oshkosh AeroTech™ and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit oshkoshcorp.com.

®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the Company's ability to successfully integrate the AeroTech acquisition and to realize the anticipated benefits associated with the same; the risks associated with international operations and sales, including compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;  the Company’s ability to comply with complex laws and regulations applicable to U.S. government contractors; cybersecurity risks and costs of defending against, mitigating and responding to data security threats and breaches impacting the Company; the Company’s ability to successfully identify, complete and integrate other acquisitions and to realize the anticipated benefits associated with the same; and risks related to the Company’s ability to successfully execute on its strategic road map and meet its long-term financial goals. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update information contained in this news release. Investors should be aware that the Company may not update such information until the Company’s next quarterly earnings conference call, if at all.

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Registered Trademark of Pierce Manufacturing Inc. Appleton, WI, USA an Oshkosh Corporation Business