A very old tradition helped usher in something very new and exciting on Nov. 1. That’s the day when the South Jordan Fire Department welcomed two new apparatus to Fire Station 64 on West Lake Avenue.

Fire Chief Chris Dawson told a large group of residents about the new engine and new ambulance the department has acquired. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journal

Fire Chief Chris Dawson and his team hosted a “Push-In” ceremony for a new heavy rescue engine and new ambulance, and a crowd of very excited children along with their families were part of the ceremony.

“We wouldn’t be here today without the support of our great elected city officials and our city staff,” he said. “This building houses a fire station, a police station and city administrative offices. It’s all here to serve the residents of this wonderful community and continue our goal of providing excellent municipal services in an efficient, cost effective manner.”

The new engine is massive, a 2025 dual-axel chassis that weighs about 80,000 pounds, can hold 500 gallons of water and is capable of pumping 1,500 gallons a minute. Dawson said it has high maneuverability that provides “significant capability and more mobility. It will help us respond quicker, and I say that when this vehicle is out in the community, it’s in service 24 hours a day. Every detail has been painstakingly poured over to make sure these vehicles are the best for us.” He said the engine itself was 30 months in the making and design.

Residents took part in a “wipe down” of the new vehicles before they were pushed into the garage at the station. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

Dawson said fire departments have held “push-in” ceremonies dating back to the 19th century, when firefighters had to manually push heavy horse-drawn steam engines back into a station after a fire call, because horses could not back them in. That practicality became a tradition still celebrated at fire stations nationwide.

Along with that comes a “wet-down,” where the new engine is sprayed with water from an older engine, sort of like a christening. South Jordan conducted that as well for both the new engine and the new ambulance. Firefighters sprayed both vehicles, and then public attendees grabbed towels the department provided to help with the “wipe down” of the vehicles.

The ceremony included hot dogs, cookies and bottles of water for families to enjoy, plus tours of the new equipment. And there were lots of giveaways—frisbees and fire chief hats among the most popular items.

“I’m grateful to our leaders for helping us gain the additional apparatus and the people needed to provide the critical services for our city,” the chief said.