JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The West Valley Volunteer Fire Department (WVVFD) held its very own tanker push dedicated to the department’s brand-new tanker truck on December 14.
A tradition long rooted in all fire department’s histories for centuries since the days of horse drawn carriages, the fire apparatus push in ceremony is a ceremonious event that celebrates the introduction of a new vehicle being brought in within a given fire department. The message behind the ceremony is to commemorate community support, with both members of the fire department and the local community where the department is located, by coming together to help push in the newly established vehicle. Thus, representing community support for both the department’s new vehicle, as well as support of its use for public safety.
WVVFD staff and community members followed suit to the commemorative tradition and pushed in the new tanker. “We worked hard to get what we got here today, and I’d like to thank each and every one of you for coming by and supporting this fire department,” stated Fire Chief Will Adams, as everyone gathered within the department’s cafeteria room to have BBQ and cake.
While being interviewed during the department’s 2nd annual Breakfast with Santa event, Chief Adams described the tanker truck itself, stating it can hold up to 3,400 gallons of water, while also having the latest tools installed both inside the truck’s cab as well as within the trucks’ toolboxes. “This is a 3,400-gallon tanker. This is the biggest tanker in the north end of the county,” explained Chief Adams.
After the ceremony, everyone gathered together for BBQ sandwiches and cake as they all celebrated together the official establishment of the department’s brand-new tanker truck. A truck that is now officially set and ready to serve the West Valley community and beyond should the need arise.
