City holds push in ceremony for new fire truck

Douglas Fire Department honored early firefighters with a push-in ceremony on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. While Push-In Ceremonies have been held at fire stations for generations, this is the first that Douglas Fire Department has held to welcome a new fire truck to Fire Station No. 2. 

“We are here today to honor early firefighters,” said Douglas Fire Chief Casey Wright. “We are excited to hold this Push-In Ceremony to share a part of fire service history with you.”

Fire Department Push-In Ceremonies date back to the early years of firefighting when horse-drawn steamer engines were the new fire trucks. Horses would not walk backward while the steamer engine was attached so when a new steamer engine was delivered, firefighters would have to push it into the fire station.

“Our firefighters bravely face danger when entering a burning structure without hesitation,” said Mayor Tony Paulk. “This new fire truck will help our Douglas team continue to provide safe fire protection for everyone.”

Words of encouragement were provided by firefighter and Pastor Marshall Dye of Jowers Chapel Church in Coffee County. First Assembly of God Pastor Marshall Adcock, who is the Douglas Fire Department Chaplain and Volunteer Firefighter, offered a prayer for the safety of all firefighters and the community. Following remarks, Douglas firefighters, Coffee County Firefighters, Coffee County EMS, and local dignitaries took part in pushing the new fire truck into the station.

The new fire truck is a Sutphen Heavy Duty Custom Pumper that has a 1,000 gallon water tank and is capable of pumping 1,500 gallons per minute.