Newberry Fire Department holds “Push-in Ceremony” for new Quint fire engine

BY AMBER THIBODAUX

NEWBERRY, Fla. – The City of Newberry Fire Department held a “Push-in Ceremony” this morning, with local residents, firefighters, and community leaders coming together to celebrate the addition of a new custom-built Quint 28 fire engine. The Quint 28, which is a 2023 E-One Typhoon custom-chassis quint truck, came with a price tag of $882,000 and replaced a 1999 Southern Coach. The name “Quint” is derived from “Quintuple Combination Pumper,” which refers to the five functions the truck can provide: pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial device, and ladders. The truck will serve the City of Newberry for the next 20 years.

The act of “pushing-in” fire apparatus traces its roots back to the 1800s when firefighters would have to unhitch the horses and push the apparatus back into the station after returning from a call. With the advent of motorized fire apparatus, the need to push apparatus into the station was no longer necessary, but the tradition lives on. 

Newberry Fire Chief Mike Vogel explained the various functions of the new truck to the crowd as Newberry Fireman John Bennett began ascending the truck’s 75-foot ladder. Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe also gave brief remarks, thanking Vogel and all other first responders who serve the city. 

“I want to thank you, because this commission is blessed to live and work in a town that cares about first responders, and that we remember that this is what we are elected to do – essential services, public safety – this is our core mission, and I am so grateful to work with a commission that has focused on this core mission,” Marlowe said. 

Marlowe then invited the group to join the firefighters and assist in pushing the new Quint 28 into the fire station. Refreshments for the event were provided by Main Street Sweets & Eats, located in downtown Newberry.