PIERCE MANUFACTURING AND FOTOKITE ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP TO PROVIDE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS SYSTEMS TO FIREFIGHTERS

Pierce Manufacturing, an Oshkosh Corporation Company (NYSE:OSK) and Fotokite (GENIUS NY '18) announced today an exclusive partnership to provide vehicle-integrated aerial situational awareness products to firefighting and public safety teams. The exclusive partnership follows a joint product launch of the Pierce Situational Awareness System by Fotokite at the Fire Department Instructors Conference this year and builds on the strong firefighting market momentum built since first deliveries started early this year. ​

Situational Awareness Systems provide fire departments with the overhead aerial capabilities they desire without the safety concerns and operational inefficiencies of traditional drones. As a self-piloting, actively tethered aerial device, the Situational Awareness System provides immediate aerial views of an emergency scene to help increase response effectiveness and first responder safety.

“Since the launch of the Pierce Situational Awareness System, we’ve seen great interest and excitement regarding how this product supports the critical work firefighters do each day,” said Jim Johnson, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “We’re excited about instituting an exclusive partnership with Fotokite because both of our teams closely align with their dedication to leading innovation and developing valuable resources for the fire service community.”

In a Beta-program rollout earlier this year, Situational Awareness Systems have been flown in over 1,500 missions by fire departments across the country, including live fire responses, search and rescue missions, and training exercises. The Pierce Situational Awareness System by Fotokite was also on display throughout the Pierce Road Rally, which saw over 2,200 firefighters attend in 16 cities this summer. Serial production is underway and Pierce & Fotokite have begun shipping Situational Awareness Systems this month.

Pierce Manufacturing and Fotokite’s exclusive partnership covers all land-based firefighting and Public Safety command vehicle markets in North and South America, as well as worldwide Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting and Industrial Fire Fighting customers. Pierce’s world-class Dealer Network supports Situational Awareness System installations in both new apparatus as well as aftermarket vehicles, including non-Pierce apparatus.

“The entire Fotokite team is honored to serve firefighters and first responder teams in their mission to save lives and preserve property alongside Pierce Manufacturing. Pierce works tirelessly to lead innovation in the future of firefighting and this strong partnership ensures that firefighters will have access to Situational Awareness Systems with world-class service and support through Pierce and the Pierce Dealer Network.” said Chris McCall, CEO of Fotokite. “We look forward to building on the solid track record of installations, trainings, and support with Pierce to help keep firefighters safe and support them in their everyday missions.”
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