The St. John’s Regional Fire Department marked a special occasion yesterday afternoon, welcoming two new fire engines to its fleet during its first-ever push-in ceremony.

The tradition of the push-in ceremony dates back to the 1800s, when fire departments used hand-drawn pumpers and horse-drawn equipment.

Upon returning to the fire station after a call, the horses could not easily back the equipment into the station, so firefighters pushed equipment back into the bay themselves.

The two new fire engines replace engines put in service in 2006 and 2011 respectively, having responded to some 23,000 calls combined.

Sherry Colford, Chief of the St. John’s Regional Fire Department is excited about bringing the tradition of the push-in ceremony back, especially as the world deals with the ongoing pandemic.

She says after a while, people prefer not to watch the news because it seems to be mostly bad news.

COVID has dominated headlines everywhere.

So, when the idea was presented, there was a lot of excitement because it shows that there’s other things going on.

She adds they are hoping to bring this tradition back regularly, and with a little luck, incorporate the community in the festivities.