Columbia Heights Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula (red jacket, white hat) and other members of the City Council ceremoniously “wet down” a new aerial firetruck during a push-in ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The tradition of push-in ceremonies goes back centuries, to a time when hand carts and wagons were used to fight fires and had to be physically pushed back into the station after every call. (Max Goldberg)
An estimated 30 people, including city staff, showed up to participate in a “push-in” ceremony for Columbia Heights Fire Department’s newest firetruck, a $1.4 million aerial truck 110-ft. Ascendant Aerial Platform, made by Pierce Manufacturing.
Push-ins date back to the early 17th century, when horse- or human-drawn fire apparatus had to be pushed into the fire barn by hand. (Backing in with horses was difficult, so they were usually unhitched.)
Columbia Heights Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula, firefighters, their families, community members and members of the City Council push a new firetruck into the station as part of a ceremony on Jan. 15. (Max Goldberg)
When steam engines came into use in the 18th century, they had to line up with the station’s steam connections so they would be ready for use for the next fire. Once again, the horses were unhitched and the engine pushed in by hand.
When gas-powered fire apparatus made the scene, the tradition continued, even though vehicles were fully capable of being driven backward. Today, firefighters “anoint” their new engines with a “wet-down” before pushing them in to the station for a typical 20-year term of service.
Firefighters, their families and community members listen to fire chief Daniel O’Brien, right, give an opening speech. (Max Goldberg)
(Max Goldberg)
The new apparatus, dubbed Aerial 6, or A6, was built in Appleton, Wis. A replacement for A1, its technology is 25 years newer. The department is keeping the older engine on hand during A6’s break-in period.
Will Rottler, Columbia Heights communications and engagement coordinator, said A6 has a platform, and sets up quicker/easier. It’s also self-leveling and increases firefighter safety with airbags. It’s expected to serve the community for 20 years.
A1 has been in service since 2000 and has been placed in reserve status until the delivery of another new engine in 2026. Rottler said, “In this case, reserve doesn’t mean extra, it means that the apparatus will not leave the city for firefighting purposes. It is held in reserve for our city alone, should we need it.”
The new aerial firetruck, A6, sits inside the Columbia Heights Public Safety building after the ceremony. (Max Goldberg)
(Max Goldberg)