Fire truck push-in ceremony held

Pat Nanney Photo

A tradition that began in the 1800s when firefighters had to push horse-drawn equipment back into a bay after a call took place recently in Forest City as the new Sutphen engine was pushed into a bay at Forest City Fire Rescue. Firefighters, town officials and town council members helped push the truck. The new engine, which replaces a 1988 truck, will be the first truck out on a call. According to Forest City Fire Rescue Chief Billy Samuel the new truck carries 750 gallons of water, can pump 1500 gallons of water per minute and includes many new safety features such as a fully enclosed cab. He said department members were able to determine how the new truck was built and set up and said "it is very user friendly." As part of the transfer to the new truck some water from the old truck was removed and emptied into the new engine. Forest City Mayor Steve Holland thanked the firefighters for all they do for the citizens of the town. He also thanked them for telling town officials what was needed in the new engine.