A tradition dating back more than 100 years continued Tuesday as Gastonia firefighters and community members brought in a new truck for service with a "push-in" ceremony.
Engine No. 5, which can pump out more than 2,000 gallons of water per minute when connected to a hydrant, took its spot in Fire Station No. 5 on West Hudson Boulevard with the assistance of about 10 firefighters and community members helping push the Class A pumper into its bay.
"This has been a tradition since the late 1800s, where horses would push in the new engine inside the station. Now, event-goers assist us in pushing in the new truck where the old truck used to be," said Deputy Fire Chief William Warren. The engine's red paint shined alongside the older model, with the words "Boulevard Knights" painted in white on its side to showcase the station's nickname.