The Millcreek Fire Department is celebrating its new fire truck with a historic tradition.
On Wednesday, local firefighters gathered at the Kearsarge Fire Department to participate in a push-in ceremony for Millcreek’s new truck.
“Believe it or not, in my 30 years in the fire service, this is the first push in ceremony that I’ve been part of,” said Millcreek Fire Department Assistant Chief Will Anderson. “It’s very exciting, very special, very unique, and for me, it symbolizes everything that the fire department stands for.”
The ritual dates back to the 1800s, honoring firefighters who push horse-drawn carts into their firehouses.
“It’s a very time honored tradition, because it goes back really for centuries,” said West Ridge Fire Department President Gary Carver. “It’s an honor to serve this community. It’s something that hundreds of firefighters in the whole region take very seriously.”
According to Millcreek Fire Chief Michael Cliff, the new truck and its equipment cost $1.2 million and are funded through the township’s fire tax.
“There’s a lot of pride in the first, brand new purchase of an engine for Millcreek Township,” said Chief Cliff. “It’s really exciting. I think it’s a testimony of the commitment that the fire department and the township has to the residents of Millcreek Township.”