The crew at Fire Hall No. 3 followed an old tradition last Thursday by pushing in by hand one of the department’s newest pieces of equipment.
The North Delta crew were all smiles having received one of two new fire engines purchased by the city. It has some of the latest features and green technology including an eco-idle that switches the vehicle to lithium power when parked and running for extended periods.
The fire truck being replaced will go into the Delta Fire and Emergency Services reserve fleet of three.
Members of the hall first celebrated the arrival of their new apparatus with a ceremonial wash with the old firetruck used to wash the new vehicle, anointing it.
That was followed by the new apparatus pushed into the bay by hand.
The tradition days back to the 1800s when crews had horse-drawn equipment.
Upon return, the animals would be detached from the equipment and that equipment had to be pushed into the bay.
Many fire crews throughout North America today continue such push-in ceremonies when taking delivery of new apparatus.
