Humboldt Bay Fire Volunteer Photographer Gary Stone captured this picture of the Pierce Tiller, March 13, 2013, as it detoured through the Avenue of the Giants while en-route to Eureka for delivery. 

 Humboldt Bay Fire Authority Press Release:

At 2:30 on Friday, March 22, 2013, the newly formed Humboldt Bay Fire Authority will host a badge pinning ceremony to recognize newly hired Firefighter Eric Gatti, new Volunteer recruits: John Bonham, Jesse Boomer, Tim Burwell, Corey Johnson and also Firefighter Craig Whitbeck as a certified Paramedic. The ceremony will take place on the apparatus floor at the Headquarters Station at 533 C Street in Eureka.

The ceremony will also debut Humboldt Bay Fire’s new, Pierce built, tiller ladder truck that was purchased partially through a FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant award. The truck is slated to go into service on April 1. The design of this unique apparatus requires two drivers to operate the front and rear, allowing for unprecedented maneuverability in tight spaces such as the narrow alleys of Old Town and around parked cars. The truck is 62’ in length, 15’ longer than our current Pierce ladder truck that will move into reserve status. The new truck is capable of carrying a multitude of tools and equipment for the Water Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue Teams, as well as extrication equipment, a full ladder compliment and the usual everyday firefighting tools. The truck has a 100’ aerial ladder and is capable of pumping 1500 gallons of water per minute. It is a truly unique apparatus and will be showcased to the Community during the Rhododendron parade on April 27th.