Jacksonville fire department commissions new 100-foot ladder truck

Jacksonville firefighters put a new 100-foot ladder truck into service June 22, adding a $1.9 million piece of equipment meant to extend the department’s reach at tall buildings and difficult rescue scenes. The 2026 Pierce truck from Wisconsin rolled into operation after crews trained on it the week before, giving the city only its second ladder truck purchase since the turn of the century.

The commissioning ceremony at 200 W. Douglas Ave. began with an open house at 4:30 p.m. and the formal ceremony at 5:15 p.m. The traditional three bell rings honored the past, celebrated the present and committed to the future. The project had been in the works for about four years, beginning under retired chief Doug Sills, and Mayor Andy Ezard, current and former aldermen and Sills helped move it forward.

The new truck, unit 1331, replaces an aging ladder platform in the city’s fleet and gives firefighters a newer piece of equipment designed for safer operation. The ladder’s ability to go down as well as up makes it safer for crews to use in close quarters and elevated rescues where control and stability matter. Pierce instructors came to Jacksonville to train firefighters on the truck before it entered service.

Summers asked residents to suggest a name for the truck. The event included a gift from former police chaplain Alan Bradish, a replica of an old-time fire ladder truck he and his wife bought years ago in Grafton. The older 2002 Pierce 100-foot ladder truck, declared surplus by the city council, was later approved for purchase by South Jacksonville for $200,000.