Push-in ceremony marks delivery of new fire truck for Reynolds area
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Greene County firefighters performed a traditional “push-in” ceremony last week for their new firetruck at Reynolds, mimicking the days when horse-drawn equipment had to be detached and pushed backward into the station in preparation for the next call. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff -
Greene County officials (l-r) Chief Rodney Wiggins, Emergency Management Agency Director Joe Bashore, County Manager Byron Lombard and Commissioners Ernie Filice and Gary Ursy attend the Engine 10 push-in ceremony. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff -
Fire Engine No. 10 promises to be a more efficient and safer firefighting platform for Greene County firefighters. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff -
Many of Greene County’s finest were on hand for the ceremony, including (l-r) John Underwood, Trevor Maddox and Tommy Blackwell. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff
In an event that goes back to the late 1800s, Greene County Fire and Rescue conducted a “push-in ceremony” last week to inaugurate a new $550,000-plus fire engine. Engine No. 10 joins four other new engines designed to provide the best equipment for fire incidents and protection for firefighters and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel in Greene County.
“Push-in ceremonies” are reflective of the use of horse-drawn equipment before the invention of the automobile. As the animals were unable to back a fire-rescue apparatus into the station, personnel on hand would detach the horses and push the apparatus into the bay. Over time, with the invention and adoption of motorized firefighting vehicles, this need has vanished in American culture.
In honor of Engine 10 joining the new station at Reynolds, the ceremony was held with county officials present to mark its official service to Greene County fire operations.
The new Engine 10 replaces the old engine, which will be placed in reserve status. It has served the county well for 17 years and will be used as backup on emergency calls.
Greene County Fire Chief Rodney Wiggins, who operates out of Station 9 on Carey Station Road and is a third-generation firefighter, is approaching 30 years of service.
“This represents the passing of the old with the new,” Wiggins said.
“We are very proud of this new equipment, and it will enhance the service delivery with a newer, safer, more maneuverable, and more reliable apparatus to service the community.”
Greene County Fire Rescue operations were established in 2019 with Stations 9 and 10. It increased with the county’s concern for response, safety, and volunteer status in the face of a growing population. Three additional fire stations were added and now are fully staffed with 31 full-time members, 20 part-time members, and three volunteers. The county reported that approximately 3,000 calls are made each year with statistics increasing. A fire was recently contained at the Linger Longer Steakhouse in Reynolds with no injuries reported.
The new Engine 10 comes with a host of bells and whistles not seen on many fire equipment vehicles, according to Wiggins.
Built-in Urbana, Ohio, Engine 10 was approved by the County Commission led by District 4 Commissioner Ernie Filice. It was approved for purchase in September 2021 and delivered to the county in January of this year.
“This engine combines the best in safety and performance with the most state-of-art technology,” Wiggins said. “These include a 450-horsepower engine, a 1,000-gallon water tank, a four-person cab with a safer roll cage for occupants, an onboard firefighting foam system, and ground ladders inside the body of the vehicle.”
The fire department in the county takes pride in community event participation, conducting fire safety seminars and demonstrations within the county schools, conducting fire safety drills, and providing assistance during natural disasters.