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.

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.