The Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department in Tennessee has ordered three Pierce Ascendant 107-foot Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladders as the department prepares for continued population growth and changing emergency response needs.

Murfreesboro Fire Rescue serves more than 172,000 residents from 11 fire stations. Its 242 uniformed personnel respond to approximately 25,000 calls annually, providing fire suppression, technical rescue, and advanced emergency medical services.

The department selected a single-rear-axle configuration to provide aerial reach while maintaining maneuverability on confined streets and around fire stations.

“Our city continues to grow, bringing new challenges such as increased density, apartment complexes and tighter access areas,” Deputy Chief Jamie Bigelow said. “The Pierce Ascendant 107’ single rear axle aerial ladders provide the maneuverability we need to navigate confined streets and firehouse spaces, along with the reach required to effectively serve multi-story structures.”

The three apparatus will be built on Pierce Enforcer chassis and powered by PACCAR MX-13 engines. Each will feature a Waterous CSU 2,000-gpm pump, 500-gallon water tank, and 107-foot aerial ladder.

Additional equipment includes frontal and side roll impact protection systems, 360-degree scene lighting, remote-control aerial operation, an integrated body camera system, and an aerial-tip pulley rescue system.

The department considered the city's hilly terrain, narrow streets, and increasingly dense development when specifying the apparatus. Department leadership also worked with Murfreesboro's fleet services director during the purchasing and design process.

Two of the new aerial trucks will replace existing frontline units, which will move into reserve status. The third will be assigned to a new ladder company at Station 12, expanding the department's aerial response capacity.