Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker and Fire Chief Eric Lahey tonight highlighted that City Council has approved the purchase of a Pierce Enforcer 100’ Ascendant Tower Ladder Truck for the Fort Wayne Fire Department.
News release from the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana:
City’s investment in public safety continues with purchase of new ladder truck
Fort Wayne, Indiana (April 28, 2026) – Mayor Sharon Tucker and Fire Chief Eric Lahey tonight highlighted that City Council has approved the purchase of a Pierce Enforcer 100’ Ascendant Tower Ladder Truck for the Fort Wayne Fire Department, a $2.5 million investment in the safety and well-being of the community as well as our firefighters.
“Public safety is a top priority in Fort Wayne and it’s critical to make sure we have the necessary equipment to be able to serve and protect the public,” said Mayor Tucker. “Residents can be comforted in knowing that we have excellent firefighters in our great city. I’m also encouraged by the work of our fire department leadership team in partnership with City Council to move forward with this important purchase.”
The new ladder truck is expected to be delivered and placed into service within 46-49 months after the complete execution of the purchase agreement.
Due to the exponential growth of the downtown area’s high-rise office and residential buildings over the last 12-15 years, it’s important to have a ladder truck nearby that can reach those heights. This new ladder truck will be assigned to the Central Fire Station, Station #1. The current ladder truck assigned to Station 1 will move into reserve status and a reserve truck will be decommissioned. This new 100’ truck is designed as a mid-mount platform truck. Coming in at a travel height of under 11’, it will be able to travel anywhere in the city without being impeded by overpasses.
The Fort Wayne Fire Department has established a fire apparatus committee that understands the mission to deliver a life-saving truck that meets all requirements for the lowest price possible. The apparatus committee is involved in the specifications process as well as the request for proposal process required under city ordinance.
“The Fort Wayne Fire Department’s mission is to save lives,” said Chief Lahey. “The purchase of this apparatus reflects a commitment and a dedication by our Mayor, City Council, and our taxpayers to make sure the members of the FWFD are provided the necessary equipment to accomplish that mission. This truck along with the professional men and women of the Fort Wayne Fire Department will save lives.”
Video of a Pierce Enforcer™ Ascendant® 100’ Heavy Duty Aerial Tower recently purchased by the Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Fire Department. We’re not sure how similiar this is to the model being procured by the FWFD or what options are being considered.
Related Images:
