Douglas Fire Department in Georgia had its first "Push-In" ceremony for Fire Station No.2 in January.

As a time-honored tradition among fire stations, a "Push-In" ceremony is when the fire department honors its firefighters, and they push a new fire truck into the station.

Dating back to the 17th century, "Push-In" ceremonies originated when early hand-drawn fire engines and other apparatuses required hand pushing into the station after every call. 

In the 18^th century, horse-drawn steam engines were used to help put out fires in town, but they could not be backed up into the station. So the horses were disconnected and the firefighters had to still push the engine into the station.

In the 19^th century, motorized fire engines spread throughout and didn’t need to be pushed in. Firefighters have continued the tradition of pushing in new trucks to honor the "Push-In" ceremony.

The New Fire Truck

The Douglas Fire Department pushed in a new Sutphen Heavy Duty Custom Pumper. With a 1,000-gallon water tank, it’s capable of pumping 1,500 gallons per minute.

It also includes, according to Sutphen:

• Capacity for up to 7 air bottles stored in the fender wells

• Stainless steel pump plumbing

• Double frame rail the entire length of the chassis

“Our firefighters bravely face danger when entering a burning structure without hesitation,” said Mayor Tony Paulk in a press release. “This new fire truck will help our Douglas team continue to provide safe fire protection for everyone.”

This truck is Douglas Fire Department’s third truck.