Traditional “Push-In” Ceremony next Wednesday

Apparatus push-in ceremonies: A long-held tradition that unites communities

This ceremony dates back to the days of horse-drawn equipment when members had to push the equipment into the fire hall bay.

Beginning in the 1800s with horse-drawn steam fire apparatus, returning crews from a call were unable to back the horses into the fire hall accurately enough to line up with the hall steam fittings. This required firefighters to detach the horses and push the equipment by hand into the bay. Over time, with the invention and adoption of motorized apparatus, the need to manually move the equipment was gone.

However, the legacy of the push-in was secured.

Nowadays, in honour of those early crews, most fire departments hold a push-in ceremony when taking delivery of a new apparatus and invite community members to celebrate the exciting moment the new truck starts its new life protecting the community.

WE WILL HOLD OUR PUSH-IN CEREMONY NEXT WEDNESDAY AT NOON, JUNE 24TH. WE INVITE ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY TO JOIN US. THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME THE NEW ENGINE WILL ENTER THE HALL.

Following the ceremonial push-in, we will be serving hot dogs and cool drinks and firefighters will be delighted to show you the new innovations on the Engine and give you a hall tour.

We hope you will be able to join us.
Jeannine and Chad
Thetis Island Vol. Fire Dept.