The Magnolia Springs Volunteer Fire Department marked the arrival of its new Rescue 1 truck with a traditional "Push-In" ceremony on Monday, June 10.

The 2022 Rosenbauer/International Quick Attack vehicle, purchased from NAFECO, was ceremoniously pushed into the fire station by firefighters, honoring a custom that dates back centuries.

In the 17th century, firefighters manually pushed hand-drawn engines, ladder wagons and hose carts back into their stations after every call. By the 18th century, this practice extended to horse-drawn steamer engines, which required careful maneuvering to align steam connections, often necessitating community help to push the equipment back into place.

Despite the creation of motorized fire engines in the early 19th century, firefighters continued the tradition, which has endured as a symbol of good luck for new equipment, community pride and fire service unity.

On Monday, Magnolia Springs VFD personnel and community members gathered to uphold this ritual, pushing the state-of-the-art rescue truck into its new home.

The new Rescue 1 truck is set to enhance the department's capabilities, providing advanced features for quick response and effective emergency management. The "Push-In" ceremony was both a nod to the past and a celebration of the future, highlighting the department's commitment to safeguarding Magnolia Springs with the latest in firefighting technology.