News

Community members rally around new fire engine in Bellingham

Community members rally around new fire engine in Bellingham

Photo: Saga Communications/Ellie Coberly


BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham Fire Department Station 2 in Fairhaven held a public ceremony to receive its newest fire engine.

The recently purchased fire engine is a Pierce Enforcer and weighs 37,000 lbs. A “push-in” ceremony was attended by a little over 100 people including community members, city officials and firefighters on Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.

“I’m amazed at how many people are turned out to celebrate this new resource for the community,” Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund said. “I’m incredibly proud that we continue to investments in important life safety infrastructure like this.”

Before the push-in, Deputy Chief Kevin Countryman explained that the tradition dates back well over 200 years. In the 1800s, fire crews manned horse-drawn equipment and after they returned from fighting a fire, members had to push fire-equipment back into the bay themselves. Following the adoption of motorized fire engines, the legacy of the push-in lives on.

A look at the newest Pierce Enforcer fire engine. Photo by Ellie Coberly

Deep gratitude was expressed to the community, city officials and firefighters—those in service and in retirement.

“Most importantly thank you to the community who trusts us every single day to protect their homes, their businesses and their families,” Deputy Chief Countryman said. “This fire engine will serve you all and is a reflection of the commitment we have to keeping our city safe.”

Though there was some conversation regarding whether the crowd would really be able to move the truck, as soon as the group began pushing the new rig moved with ease. Within minutes, the engine was pushed into the fire station bay and smiles, cheers and whoops erupted from the group.

Community members push the new fire engine into Station 2. Photo by Ellie Coberly

Recent Headlines

23 minutes ago in Sports

Yankees would accomplish a rare feat if they come back down 0-2 in best-of-5 series vs. Blue Jays

Fresh

The Bellinger babies are among the few Yankees fans not stressed about New York's 0-2 deficit to Toronto in their AL Division Series. Caiden is 3 years old and sister Cy is 2.

8 hours ago in Sports

Drake Maye leads Patriots to 23-20 win over Bills, leaving NFL without an unbeaten team

Receiver Stefon Diggs is quite comfortable putting on a show in Buffalo. The big difference on Sunday night was doing so for the Bills' division rival New England Patriots.

8 hours ago in Sports

Julio Rodríguez lifts Mariners over Tigers 3-2, Seattle takes Game 2 of ALDS to even series

Julio Rodríguez came through in a big moment for the Seattle Mariners. Rodríguez hit a tiebreaking RBI double in the eighth inning and the Mariners beat the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in Game 2 of their AL Division Series on Sunday to even the series.

7 hours ago in Local Sports, Northwest Sports, Professional, Sports

Darnold/Hawks come up short in shootout with Bucs

Darnold and Mayfield combine for 720 yards, just 10 incompletions

7 hours ago in Local Sports, Northwest Sports, Professional, Sports

Julio and Jorge power Mariners’ ALDS game 2 win

Logan Gilbert scheduled to start game 3 Tuesday in Detroit