ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Firefighters, city officials and dozens of Ritter Elementary Raccoons pushed a pumper truck into its new home at East Side Fire Station on Monday morning.
The apparatus replaces a truck that’s been in use for about a dozen years; it will “help firefighters answer calls more safely and effectively,” Fire Chief Efrain Agosto said.
The new truck "represents an investment in our community, a promise that we will continue to respond swiftly, work tirelessly and protect those who depend on us."Fire Chief Efrain Agosto
“It represents an investment in our community, a promise that we will continue to respond swiftly, work tirelessly and protect those who depend on us,” Agosto said.
The time-honored “push-in” tradition dates to the 1800s, when firefighters had to push equipment and apparatus — then powered by horses or steam engines — back into their stations.
“What began out of necessity has evolved into a proud fire-service tradition symbolizing teamwork, dedication and respect for our history,” Agosto said.
Monday’s ceremony honors “those who came before us — firefighters who laid the foundation of bravery, integrity and service that continues to define this department,” he said.
'In the best possible hands'
The new truck — a Seagrave Marauder Pumper — has a 500-gallon water tank and a 200-foot hose, along with a host of lighting and cameras.
But it does not have the unnecessary “bells and whistles” that some manufacturers include on their trucks, the chief said.
Allentown City Council this year approved a $621,000 contract to finance a Seagrave pumper truck, and several others are being ordered and delivered, Agosto said Monday.
“Each piece of equipment is only as good as the people who operate it. And I have no doubt that this apparatus is in the best possible hands.”Fire Chief Efrain Agosto
The process to secure a new fire truck can take up to five years, according to the chief. And the coronavirus pandemic threw those already long timelines into “a bit of a whirlwind” in recent years, he said.
Agosto thanked the city and residents for their “unwavering support,” while he and Mayor Matt Tuerk also paid tribute to firefighters.
“Each piece of equipment is only as good as the people who operate it,” Agosto said. “And I have no doubt that this apparatus is in the best possible hands.”
City and fire officials held a second "push-in" ceremony Monday afternoon to push another new engine into Fearless Fire Station on Susquehanna Street.
