ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Allentown Fire Department welcomed two new fire engines into service Monday with a traditional push-in ceremony, celebrating the arrival of Engine 13 and Engine 14 as part of the city’s ongoing fleet-replacement plan.
The ceremonies, held at East Side Fire Station on North Irving Street and Fearless Fire Company No. 14 of Allentown Inc., drew firefighters, city officials and students from the Allentown School District, who helped participate in the symbolic ritual dating back to the 1800s.
Students from the Allentown School District push Engine 14 into Fearless Fire Company No. 14 of Allentown Inc. during a traditional push-in ceremony, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. (Wetherhold Photography for Lehigh Daily)
The tradition began when firefighters returned from calls with horse-drawn engines and had to manually push them back into the station. Today, it serves as a gesture of teamwork, pride and readiness.
“These are twin engines that will help us respond to everything from fires to medical calls and accidents,” said Fire Chief Efrain Agosto Jr. “The new technology makes it safer for our firefighters and for residents across the city.”
The new C. Graves pumper engines are equipped with features such as rear and side cameras for improved visibility, modern suspension systems for safer handling, and advanced water-flow technology. Each engine carries roughly 500 gallons of water and is designed for quick fire suppression and emergency response.
Allentown firefighters stand in front of the new Engine 14 at Fearless Fire Company No. 14 of Allentown Inc., Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. (Wetherhold Photography for Lehigh Daily)
“These vehicles are a big step forward in terms of safety and reliability,” Agosto said. “Having a continuous replacement plan in place ensures we’re not relying on aging equipment and can respond dependably to any kind of emergency.”
Each engine costs roughly $900,000, though Agosto noted that the current market price for similar vehicles has risen to around $1.2 million due to manufacturing delays and rising material costs.
One of the new engines was partially funded through a Local Share Account (LSA) state grant tied to casino revenues.
The city has also ordered a third new engine for the West End and plans to acquire a new aerial truck — known as a tiller — within the next few years.
Mayor Matt Tuerk said the event was about more than new equipment.
“This is what Allentown is really about,” Tuerk said. “It’s about making sure our young people feel connected to their community. This is such a cool opportunity to get them involved.”
Agosto said involving students helps foster a sense of civic pride and awareness about public safety.
“They’re our future,” he said. “It’s nice that we can include them in a ceremony that dates back over a hundred years. Hopefully, we’ll be doing another one of these again soon.”