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King County International Airport (KCIA) has taken a major step toward a cleaner and safer future with the deployment of the first Striker® Volterra™ Electric Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle in the United States.
In this case study, we explore why KCIA chose to lead the charge with the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF - and how this decision is already influencing the future of ARFF operations across the country.
Why an Electric ARFF?
Like many fire departments, KCIA places a high priority on firefighter health, a concern which was front and center when evaluating options for a new ARFF vehicle. Among the most pressing issues was diesel exhaust, which has long been linked to increased cancer risk within the fire service. Choosing an electric ARFF emerged as the ideal solution.
“It was a no-brainer once we learned the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF could leave and return to the station on electric power alone,” said Sgt. Clint Herman of KCIA. “This eliminates diesel exhaust in the bay, which is huge for firefighter health and safety. Cancer is a real issue in this profession.”
The benefits didn’t stop there. Traditional diesel engines also contribute to high noise levels inside the firehouse, where responders eat, sleep and decompress between calls. The Striker Volterra Electric ARFFs' quiet operation was also a deciding factor for KCIA as it significantly reduces daily strain and noise, creating a calmer environment while improving performance and response time.
Leading the Charge to a More Sustainable Future
The airport’s decision to adopt an electric ARFF vehicle reflects its broader commitment to sustainability. Located in Washington, it also aligns with the state’s push for clean energy and reduced emissions across public agencies. It also supports the county's 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan, which targets a 45% reduction in fleet-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
“I feel we’re creating a path for other mid-size airports to follow,” said Sgt. Clint Herman. “Large-scale innovation isn’t limited to major airports. With the right leadership and planning, airports of any size can make meaningful progress toward more sustainable operations.”
Choosing the Right Partner for Innovation
Bringing the first electric ARFF vehicle into service in the United States took more than a strong commitment to sustainability; it called for an ARFF partner with proven experience, a strong technical foundation and the ability to support a new level of innovation in airport firefighting response.
Oshkosh Airport Products Compatibility
The airport’s existing fleet of Oshkosh ARFF vehicles made the shift to electric both practical and efficient. Crews were already familiar with the Oshkosh ARFF systems and maintenance routines, which simplified training and helped aid in a quick transition.
Equally important was the strength of the support network. Oshkosh’s reputation for dependable vehicles, technology and long-term aftermarket service and support gave KCIA leadership confidence in the electric vehicle’s long-term performance.
Redefining Support: Oshkosh’s Evolving Sales Model in Action
As KCIA moved forward with its purchase of the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF, it did so during a moment of transition at Oshkosh Airport Products.
Historically, customers worked directly with Oshkosh Airport Products through an in-house sales model. However, during the early stages of KCIA’s project, Oshkosh shifted to a new dealership-based structure, delegating regional sales and support to authorized Oshkosh dealers.
For KCIA, this meant working with Hughes Fire Equipment, a Pierce Manufacturing dealer based only 30 minutes away from the airport in Tacoma, Washington. While the change introduced a new process, it ultimately brought tangible benefits: faster communication, easier access to technical support and a closer working relationship throughout the design, build and delivery process of the new electric ARFF.
“The communication was outstanding,” said Sgt. Clint Herman. “We received regular, detailed updates at every stage of the design and manufacturing process. It really gave us confidence the project was in good hands.”
Inside KCIA’s Customized Striker Volterra Electric ARFF
The KCIA team also worked closely with Hughes Fire and Oshkosh Airport Products to design the best electric ARFF model for their operational needs. To meet the airport’s specific workflow, several modifications were made to the standard Striker Volterra Electric ARFF configuration, including:
- Three compartments were restructured to better support daily routines, with tools and equipment where crews need them.
- A low-attack bumper turret provides better access and control during firefighting operations, especially in tight spaces.
- For enhanced awareness, a 360-degree camera system gives operators complete visibility around the vehicle.
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The KCIA team visited Oshkosh Airport Products headquarters twice to review the truck’s design and specifications. Between site visits, communication remained constant. The result is a vehicle which not only meets the demands of emergency response, but one which reflects the real-world insights of the firefighters who will rely on it.
Navigating First-Generation Challenges
As with any first-of-its-kind vehicle, the rollout presented some learnings. Early inspection revisions and system refinements were quickly addressed, highlighting the value of Oshkosh Airport Products' new dealership model. A strong, hands-on relationship between KCIA, Oshkosh Airport Products' engineering and Hughes Fire has been instrumental in continuously improving and refining the Striker Volterra electric ARFF platform.
With Hughes Fire located nearby, KCIA has convenient and immediate access to technical support.
“Having Hughes Fire right down the road is a game changer,” said Sgt. Clint Herman. “When we need them, they are right there. This kind of access and responsiveness is what really highlighted the impact of the new lifecycle dealership model for us.”
A Future with More Electric Vehicles
The Striker Volterra Electric ARFF has confirmed KCIA’s commitment to innovation, firefighter health and environmental leadership. The department sees this vehicle as the beginning of a broader shift in how fire service fleets are built and operated.
“We’ve already had folks from other departments come out to see the truck, test drive it, ask questions,” said Sgt. Clint Herman. “It’s exciting to be part of the conversation and show others this is possible.”
To learn more about the Striker Volterra Electric ARFF and how Oshkosh Airport Products is supporting the next generation of emergency response, visit oshkoshairport.com.
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