When the Dickinson Fire Department needed to upgrade its aerial capabilities, it made a strategic decision to replace its 100' straight ladder with a 100' aerial platform. This choice marked a significant evolution in the department’s firefighting strategy, adding a versatile new tool central to emergency response operations.

We spoke with Jared Rhode, Dickinson’s fire captain and training officer, about his new rig and his experience spec’ing and taking delivery of a new custom Pierce apparatus. 

Understanding the Community and Strategic Needs

Located in Dickinson, North Dakota, the Dickinson Fire Department serves a diverse 14-square-mile area with a unique mix of residential, commercial and industrial structures.  

According to Rhode, on a given day, the department must be prepared to:

• Respond to emergencies in residential neighborhoods with three‑ and four‑story apartment buildings.
• Protect commercial buildings across the community.
• Support grain elevator and agriculture-related emergency response.
• Serve industrial facilities requiring specialized response capabilities, including those in close proximity to oil field operations. 

Why Choose An Aerial Platform?

During the specification process, the Dickinson Fire Department determined a rear-mount platform would be the best path forward to support the response requirements of the growing community.

The transition from a straight ladder to an aerial platform represented more than just an equipment upgrade; it fundamentally changed how the department could approach aerial operations. 

"Simply put, the main mission of the apparatus was to increase our capabilities," explained Rhode. "We now have many opportunities to strategically use the platform to improve ground operations." 

The platform configuration brought immediate advantages to the department. The new apparatus:

• Expands rescue capabilities with space for up to four firefighters in the bucket, increasing flexibility and efficiency on scene.
• Enables faster, coordinated ventilation operations by allowing multiple firefighters to work from the platform simultaneously, far quicker than deploying ground ladders.
• Supports safer, controlled rescues from multi‑story apartments by allowing two firefighters in the bucket for efficient victim removal.

One particularly unique application emerged just months after the apparatus entered service.

“During a grain elevator fire, crews utilized the platform to gain access to the fire location and used it as a standpipe, extending hose lines from the platform to attack the fire,’ said Rhode. “This approach eliminated the dangerous and time-consuming process of climbing internal ladders and manways within the facility.”

Key Apparatus Features

As the Dickinson Fire Department determined the right design and layout for their aerial platform, several key features were emphasized to enhance operational efficiency and performance.

High-Flow Water Capabilities

A key area of focus for the department was increasing the water flow capabilities of the aerial. As a result, the department selected dual water streams mounted on the platform to provide up to 2000 gpm water flow capabilities. This setup reflected the department's need to address high-risk incidents within its jurisdiction. 

Purposeful Cab Configuration

Understanding crew deployment patterns shaped the cab design philosophy. As the first-in apparatus, there were never more than three or four firefighters required in the cab. Rather than selecting standard seating configurations, the department customized the layout to support their truck company operations. 

This thoughtful approach better matched the mission of the truck; eliminating unnecessary rear seating and creating space for more practical interior cabinets, storage and compartmentation.

Optimized Compartmentation

Compartment layout was a key area of focus during the specification process. The department emphasized organization and accessibility through the strategic use of slide-out and swing-out tool boards throughout the apparatus. A systematic approach to tool storage was desired to ensure equipment remained easily accessible and properly secured.

“When every component has a designated location, it eliminates the common problem of equipment simply being thrown into compartments,’ stated Rhode.

This attention to detail was initiated to improve operational efficiency and reduce time spent searching for tools during critical operations.

"We really focused on compartmentation and spent time thinking through how best to use and optimize space on board.”

Collaborative Spec Process Flexible Design Approach

For Dickinson Fire Department representatives, the procurement process demonstrated the value of manufacturer flexibility and collaborative problem-solving.

During the pre-construction meeting, changes were made to the original specifications. Pierce Manufacturing and the dealer demonstrated flexibility in accommodating these modifications. The collaborative approach allowed the department to eliminate certain features to generate cost savings while adding elements better aligned with evolving operational requirements.

"Pierce and our dealer were fantastic to work with. Together, we were able to eliminate some features to save money and added some elements to enhance operations." 

Training and Support

Post-delivery support proved equally impressive. The department received comprehensive initial training spanning several days, with scheduling flexibility to accommodate both career and part-time staff. This inclusive approach ensured all potential operators received proper training with the new platform's capabilities.

“For Dickinson Fire Department, this new platform marks more than an apparatus upgrade; it represents a meaningful evolution in our firefighting capabilities.”

With just a short time in service, the Dickinson Fire Department’s aerial platform has already proven its worth across diverse emergency scenarios, from routine residential and commercial response to unique industrial applications. The successful integration of the aerial apparatus demonstrates how thoughtful specification, collaborative procurement and comprehensive training can transform departmental capabilities.

If you're interested in learning more, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Captain Jared Rhode to discuss firefighter training on the Pierce™ Dispatch podcast.

Are you thinking of adding a new aerial apparatus? Let us know your questions in the comments. 

Or reach out to your local Pierce dealer at any time.