Eugene (Ore.) Fire & EMS has ordered the first Pierce apparatus built on the new Velocity chassis. The order includes five pumpers and a 100-foot aerial platform. Delivery is scheduled to start in mid-2007.

"We ordered the Velocity chassis after seeing it unveiled in a live Webcast," said Scott Bishop, Eugene Fire & EMS district chief. "We liked what we saw and set up a meeting with Hughes Fire Equipment, our Pierce dealer, to learn more about the safety features and improvements."

"The Velocity chassis was unveiled in mid-September, and since then firefighters have told us this new chassis is just what they wanted and needed—practical and comfortable," said John Randjelovic, Pierce president. "The Eugene order for six chassis confirms the efforts of our market research along with the work of our design and engineering teams to manufacture the ideal chassis that firefighters requested."

The Velocity chassis is available with engines up to 525hp, Allison EVS transmission, dual 540-amp alternators, TAK-4R independent front suspension, 45 degree cramp angle, 147.8-inch flat cab, seating for up to 10 people, front airbags (Spring 2007), and the Side Roll Protection system.