Palm Harbor Fire Rescue Celebrates Arrival Of 1st Rescue Vehicle

PALM HARBOR, FL— For the first time in the history of Palm Harbor Fire Rescue, the fire department added a rescue vehicle to its fleet of life-saving apparatus.

An early morning "push-in" ceremony was held at Station 65 Thursday 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 Scott Sanford welcomed the attendees and Deputy Chief of Operations Rodney Malpass addressed the group and thanked all the key players.

Fire Commissioner Casey Cane and Sanford then hosed down the Rescue 65 and everyone helped dry it off, symbolizing the department's commitment to taking care of the apparatus and equipment.

A blessing was given by Fire Department chaplain, retired Lt. Milton Smith.

After pushing Rescue 65 into the bay, it was placed into service by Sanford via a radio call to dispatch.

"We would like to thank the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners, 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," Sanford said.

The push-in ceremony is a tradition that dates back to the late 1800s 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.

Video Courtesy Palm Harbor Fire Rescue