Push-in ceremonies date back to the early 1800s.
The Ventura Fire Department firefighter-paramedics received a helping hand from the Mayor and City staff who lent their strength for the Department’s ‘push-in’ ceremony on September 14. A new state-of-the-art fire truck was unveiled and officially put into service, signifying its readiness to respond to emergencies and slated to serve Ventura for the next 25 years.
Push-in ceremonies date back to the early 1800s when firefighters utilized horse-drawn equipment; the animals could not back into the station, requiring the horses to be detached and crews to push the equipment into the bay. The push-in ceremony remains a symbol of fire service unity and serves as a way to pay homage to fire departments across the nation.
“This push-in ceremony not only celebrates our new apparatus but also our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of our community,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “Firefighting is a demanding profession that requires the best equipment and tools to protect lives and property. Our firefighters are dedicated to their duty, and this cutting-edge ladder truck will empower them to respond even more effectively in emergencies.”
The $1.5 million 2022 Pierce fire truck, equipped with a 107-foot aerial ladder, advanced modern safety systems, all-electric tools, and an elevated platform for a strong stream delivering up to 1,500 gallons of water per minute, further enables firefighters to perform their duties more efficiently and effectively. It will also be used to perform advanced and high-angle rope rescues for hard-to-reach environments, and vehicle extrication for trapped victims.
The truck is staffed with one captain, one engineer, and two firefighter-paramedics.
The Fleet Fire Apparatus Replacement schedule evaluates the economically practical life of fire engines per the National Fire Protection Association’s recommended 20-year life. The new fire truck will be used daily on the front line, while the current fire truck will be placed into a reserve status, utilized when the front-line apparatus is down for maintenance or assigned to a mutual aid event.
