Fire department hosts push-in ceremony to salute new rescue squad

by Adriana Gasiewski

In a show of brotherhood, Hinckley firefighter paramedics pushed the township’s new fire truck into the station Sept. 12 while children eagerly cheered them on and applauded their determination.

Although the department acquired the truck about a month ago, the administration chose to hold off on hosting its traditional push-in ceremony to coordinate with the Touch-A-Truck event, giving children the chance to learn about the history of the ceremony.

“Most importantly, the ceremony recognizes that this apparatus is more than a truck – it’s a tool that will serve our firefighters and community for many years to come,” Fire Chief Matt Payne said.

Andrew Lucci, Hinckley firefighter paramedic and organizer of the Touch-A-Truck event, wanted the community to witness the ceremony to help them understand the ceremony’s history and how the new truck will impact them.

“We want to show them that we’re invested in their safety – the the safety of the community – and show them that the money that went into it, we really appreciate their support,” he said. “It shows that we care about the tradition and the history of not only the fire department but also Hinckley in and of itself.”

Push-in ceremonies date back to the 1800s, when horses pulled fire apparatus. After firefighters returned from a call, they disconnected their horses and pushed the apparatuses back into the station, he explained.

With modern technology, the need to push apparatuses or fire trucks back into stations disappeared, but the tradition of push-in ceremonies remained.

“It also represents teamwork, tradition and the generations of firefighters who came before us,” Payne said.

As a part of the rites of the tradition, some departments wet down or wash the new truck, as it’s associated with welcoming a new piece of equipment.

Following the push-in ceremony, firefighters and residents turned their attention to the department’s 9/11 memorial, observing the 25th anniversary of the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

During the memorial, attendees were led in prayer as Payne and another firefighter paramedic hoisted the flag, before a moment of silence to honor the victims.

“9/11, obviously in the fire service and all the first responders, it’s a very sacred day for us,” Lucci said. “It shows the epitome of what the fire service is – of sacrifice, of giving your life for another, of trying to keep people safe.”

Honoring 9/11 demonstrated the department’s unity to all firefighters, which in turn “shows the community that we’re here for them and we strive to protect and serve,” he added.

In addition to reflecting on the past, Payne was excited to honor tradition while looking ahead to the future.

“Today, as we push this apparatus into its new home, we continue a fire service tradition that goes back generations and officially welcome it into service with the Hinckley Fire Department,” he said.