DRACUT — Chief Michael Cunha is pleased to report that the Dracut Fire Department held a traditional pushing in ceremony to christen the department’s new Tower 1.
A pushing in ceremony is a tradition that hails from the days of horse-drawn carriages. Firefighters would push carriages back into the station by hand after returning from each call.
“This symbolic act of pushing the truck into the station is done to show respect for the service provided years ago,” said Chief Cunha. “Today, we honor that tradition with modern fire trucks, as a reminder of where we’ve come from and why we do what we do.”
On Friday morning, Chief Cunha offered a brief speech before Fire Department Chaplain, Rev. Larry Zimmerman led firefighters in a prayer to bless the new truck. The truck was then pushed into Station 1 by firefighters.
Tower 1 is a 2025 E-1 Tower truck that will significantly increase firefighter safety, and the ability of firefighters to make rescues and conduct aerial operations. The truck replaces an aging ladder truck that has been in service since 1999.
Tower 1 includes a platform at the end of a 95-foot ladder that can carry up to 2,000 pounds of personnel and equipment within an enclosed space where firefighters can safely work. The truck carries eight ground ladders.
The Tower is also capable of pumping thousands of gallons of water per minute through a fixed waterway that extends upward along with the platform.
Stationed at Dracut Fire Headquarters, Tower 1 will be equipped with extrication tools and will respond to all motor vehicle accidents in which passengers may be trapped. Tower 1 and its crew of three will also respond to all possible structure fires in town.
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