PALM HARBOR, Fla. – Palm Harbor Fire Rescue has added a Rescue to their fleet of life-saving apparatus, and its the first time in the history of the department.
An early morning “Push-In” ceremony was held at PHFR Station 65 to welcome the new unit a Ford F550 XLT Wheeled Coach. This unit will operate with two personnel and provide transport capability as requested.
Fire Chief Sanford welcomed the attendees and Deputy Chief of Operations, Rodney Malpass addressed the group and thanked all of the key players. The Push-In ceremony is a tradition that dates back to the late 1800’s when fire departments used hand-drawn pumpers and horse-drawn equipment. Upon returning to the station after a fire call, the horses could not easily back the equipment into the station so they were disconnected from the fire equipment and firefighters would push the equipment back into the bays themselves.
Fire Commission Casey Cane and Fire Chief Sanford then hosed down the Rescue and everyone proceed to dry off the vehicle symbolizing the departments commitment to taking care of the apparatus and equipment.
A blessing was given by Fire Department Chaplain, Ret. Lt. Milton Smith. After pushing Rescue 65 into the bay to commence its brand new start, it was placed into service by Fire Chief Sanford via radio call to Dispatch.
“We would like to thank the Pinellas County Board of Commission, Craig Hare, the director of Pinellas County EMS & Fire Administration, the Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Board of Commissioners and the members of the department who participated”, said Fire Chief Scott Sanford.
