The West Grey Fire Department held a time honoured tradition last week to welcome its newest truck to the fleet.
On Wednesday, the fire department, council, and community residents gathered at the Durham Fire Station for a push-in ceremony for the new pumper truck.
According to West Grey, the push-in ceremony dates back to the 1800s and involves firefighters and guests physically pushing the new fire truck into the station bay. In the past, fire wagons were pulled by horses and had to be manually pushed back into the fire hall. Today, this ceremonial act pays homage to those early days and serves as a meaningful way to welcome a new vehicle into service.
"This ceremony is not just about a new truck, it’s about community, history, and our continued commitment to safety and service," said Phil Shwartz, Chief of the West Grey Fire Department. "We're proud to uphold this tradition and to showcase the strength of our fire team and the support of the community."
The new fire truck is equipped with the latest firefighting technology and safety features, significantly enhancing the department’s emergency response capabilities.
It cost $800,000, according to the 2025 West Grey budget.