Folsom Fire’s long awaited 2nd ladder truck arrives

After a long wait, the Folsom Fire Department has officially received its long-awaited ladder truck, a cutting-edge Pierce 107’ Ascendant Tiller that will bolster the city’s firefighting and rescue capabilities.

The new truck, which will be designated as “Truck 35,” arrived late last week, momentarily giving the department’s existing ladder truck a twin before it undergoes up-fitting with essential tools and equipment.

“This marks the first time in our department’s history that we will have a reserve ladder truck,” the department stated. “That means when our primary ladder truck goes out of service for maintenance, the truck crews can swap into our reserve truck.”

The addition of Truck 35 is another milestone for Folsom’s emergency response services. In the past, when the department’s only ladder truck was out of commission for repairs, firefighters had to rely on neighboring agencies or operate without the specialized aerial capabilities that a ladder truck provides. With this new addition, the Folsom Fire Department can now guarantee that a ladder truck will always be available and ready to respond.

The Pierce 107’ Ascendant Tiller is a state-of-the-art firefighting apparatus that provides superior reach, maneuverability, and operational efficiency. With its 107-foot aerial reach, firefighters will have enhanced access to high-rise structures and other challenging rescue situations.

Despite its impressive reach, the truck’s compact design, low overall weight, and short wheelbase allow it to navigate Folsom’s streets with ease, making it particularly effective in both urban and suburban environments.

Equipped with an innovative stabilization system, advanced safety features, and extensive storage capacity, Truck 35 is built for rapid deployment and efficient operation. Smart controls, ergonomic ladder functions, and modern technology improve precision and ease of use, ensuring that firefighters can operate efficiently during emergencies.

The new ladder truck is just one of several new vehicles arriving to enhance the department’s fleet. Folsom Fire recently received a partial shipment of five new ambulances and is also expecting a new fire engine in the near future. Departements across the nation rely on a limited number of manufacturers, suppliers of the speciality equipment which is built to order.

Many of these units have faced prolonged delays in manufacturing, a lingering impact of supply chain disruptions that began during the COVID-19 pandemic acccording to Folsom Fire Cheif Ken Cusano..