Item Number: 11
City Council / Board of Directors
Written Communications
Meeting of: May 19, 2026
Submitted By:
Robert Clemmer, Fire Chief
Subject:
Purchase of a Type-1 Pierce Pumper Under Cab Engine
Recommendation:
That the Honorable City Council:
(1) Approve the purchase of a Type-1 Pierce Engine from South Coast Fire Equipment in the amount not to exceed $1,300,000; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to purchase one (1) Type-1 Fire Apparatus.
Fiscal Impact:
This purchase was not included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget; however, sufficient funds are available to cover the expense under account no. 1052010-55045-96103 - Measure P Apparatus Replacement Schedule. Beginning in Fiscal Year 2024, the Fire Department has allocated $775,000 annually to this account to establish a fund for future fleet acquisitions. The current account balance is $2,325,000, accumulated over the past three fiscal years. If the purchase is approved, the remaining balance will be reserved for future apparatus acquisitions.
Strategic Plan Goal:
This item aligns with Strategic Plan Goal B, Public Safety – Implement public safety strategies to support a thriving and growing community. The benefit of this improved resource will improve frontline apparatus reliability while simultaneously strengthening the reserve fleet.
Background:
Over the past five years, the City has made significant investments in the Victorville Fire Department’s (VFD) fleet. These enhancements include the addition of three new Type- 1 fire engines, a Tractor Drawn Aerial (Tiller), three Transport Capable Squads, and a Tactical Water Tender. Currently, the department operates five Type-1 fire engines daily, 4 6
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with three of these being the newer Pierce Pumper Under Cab (PUC) models. The standard production time for a custom Type-1 Pierce PUC Fire Engine from Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. (Pierce) is approximately 47 to 50 months. Occasionally, stock units in production become available for purchase. These sell quickly because of faster delivery time frames and competitive pricing. Per the current market trends, if the VFD was to purchase a stock unit, the anticipated delivery time will be within the 2026 calendar year.
This expedited timeline will allow the department to transition the current Medic Engine (ME) 312 to reserve status, replacing a 20-year-old reserve engine. As the City continues to experience growth and plans for future fire stations, this purchase will strengthen the reserve fleet and support a consistent, modern frontline apparatus fleet.
Discussion:
The VFD is requesting approval to purchase a stock Type-1 Pierce PUC configuration Fire Engine from South Coast Fire Equipment (South Coast), and to authorize the City Manager to execute all documents once a stock unit becomes available. According to a recent quote from South Coast, the estimated cost of a stock Type-1 Pierce PUC is $1,300,000, as shown in Attachment A. This apparatus will replace aging frontline equipment and support the department and City’s ongoing efforts to modernize the fleet with state-of-the-art firefighting technology and apparatus design.
The Pierce PUC Fire Engine represents a modern approach to fire apparatus configuration, specifically designed to enhance operational efficiency, firefighter safety, and emergency response capability. This purchase aligns with the department’s long- term Apparatus Replacement Plan (Attachment C) and supports our mission of providing rapid, professional, and effective emergency services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of the City of Victorville. The addition of a Pierce PUC Fire Engine will significantly enhance the VFD’s ability to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including structure fires, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescue operations.
The PUC platform incorporates an innovative design that places the most utilized attack hose at a ground-accessible height, allowing firefighters to deploy hose lines and equipment quicker. This design greatly improves firefighter ergonomics, reduces the potential for slips and falls, and allows for quicker and safer deployment of firefighting equipment during critical operations. In addition, the compact urban configuration of the PUC engine improves maneuverability in residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and areas with limited access, allowing emergency crews to operate more efficiently throughout the city.
South Coast has cooperative agreement no. FS12-23 (Attachment B) with Houston- Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program, HGACBuy, that is valid until November 30, 2027. The cooperative agreement was vetted and confirmed by the Purchasing Division of the Finance Department. Purchases through a cooperative purchasing agreement are allowed in accordance with section 2.28.120 of the Victorville Municipal Code.
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Due to current market conditions and extended lead times in the fire apparatus manufacturing industry, available production slots and completed apparatus are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. The specified Pierce Type-1 Engine for purchase is currently in production, however, availability is not guaranteed until a fully executed purchase order is received by South Coast.
To mitigate the risk of losing the opportunity to acquire a near-term delivery unit, staff is requesting authorization for the City Manager to proceed with the purchase of the next available comparable Type-1 PUC Engine from South Coast. All apparatus must comply with the operational specifications, performance standards, and functional requirements established by the Fire Chief and Apparatus Committee. These requirements are to be met in accordance with the City's purchasing ordinance and relevant cooperative agreement provisions, ensuring that the total acquisition cost does not exceed the approved appropriation cap of $1,300,000.
The VFD Apparatus Committee supports this apparatus design and purchase of a stock unit. They appreciate the expedited production, and delivery timeline, as well as the close specificity to the current fleet.
Staff is available to answer any questions that the Council may have.
Prepared By:
Robert Clemmer, Fire Chief
Attachments: A. Pierce Type-1 PUC Stock Unit Sample
B. Cooperative Agreement
C. Apparatus Replacement Plan