WACO, Texas — The Waco Fire Department will host not one, but two fire engine push-in ceremonies at different fire stations this week, as a way to dedicate the new vehicles.
At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, Waco FD will host the first push-in ceremony at Fire Station #12, located at 3300 Flat Rock Road. The next day on Oct. 24 at the same time, the department will host the second ceremony at Fire Station #5, at 4515 Bagby Avenue.
According to the department, push-in ceremonies are a time-honored tradition that celebrate the dedication of new vehicles, where new fire engines are literally pushed into their designated fire stations.
Community members are invited to attend and participate in both ceremonies.
The tradition reportedly dates back to the late 1800s, when firefighters would manually push their hand-drawn pumpers or horse-drawn equipment back into the station after responding to calls.
Waco Fire said the two new engines are equipped with state-of-the-art emergency lights and warning systems as well as enhanced safety systems.
"The timely replacement of engines 5 and 12 is essential to ensuring the department's ability to serve the community and provide vital fire protection services," the department said in a release.
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