Gastonia Fire Department conducts 'push-in' ceremony to celebrate arrival of a new fire truck

A tradition dating back more than 100 years continued Tuesday as Gastonia firefighters and community members brought in a new truck for service with a "push-in" ceremony.

Engine No. 5, which can pump out more than 2,000 gallons of water per minute when connected to a hydrant, took its spot in Fire Station No. 5 on West Hudson Boulevard with the assistance of about 10 firefighters and community members helping push the Class A pumper into its bay.

"This has been a tradition since the late 1800s, where horses would push in the new engine inside the station. Now, event-goers assist us in pushing in the new truck where the old truck used to be," said Deputy Fire Chief William Warren.

The engine's red paint shined alongside the older model, with the words "Boulevard Knights" painted in white on its side to showcase the station's nickname.

The ceremony also included firefighters retiring the old truck by removing its station number from its front and the water from its tank and transferring both to the new truck. The symbolism represents the previous truck’s protection of people and property and signifies how the new truck will carry on that purpose.

“This new fire engine will cover the southernmost portion of the city, along the Highway 321 corridors,” said Fire Chief Phil Welch. “It is important to have dependable equipment ready to respond to a variety of situations. Our mission is to 'Save lives and property, and to proudly serve the citizens and visitors of the city of Gastonia.'"

Gastonia ordered the $647,000 fire truck in August 2020, but it was not delivered until last month. The new truck, which features a 750-gallon water tank, replaces a 2007 model, that the department will still use for the next few years in reserve.

Gastonia Mayor Walker Reid recalled his days as a firefighter during the ceremony for the new equipment.

"Station No. 5 was the last station I worked at before my transition to fire inspector so it means a lot to see the city gathered together to welcome a new apparatus as this type of equipment is an important part of a fireman's job," Reid said.

You can reach Beatriz Guerrero at 704-869-1828 or email her at Mparrillaguerrero@Gannett.com.