The City of Independence invites residents to join the Independence Fire & EMS for a traditional welcoming ceremony for its newest fire truck.

 

I-F-D recently received its new pumper truck known as Engine 3 after receiving approval for the purchase from the Independence City Commission. The truck had been originally ordered by another city's fire department when that city withdrew from the purchase, giving Independence the opportunity to purchase the custom vehicle. The new truck will replace a 40-year-old fire truck that had exceeded its expected service duration.

 

The department will welcome the new truck with what is called a “push-in ceremony,” where firefighters physically pushing a firetruck into the station. The tradition dates to the 1800s when fire crews relied on horses to pull equipment. Horse teams cannot easily back up a heavy cart, so firefighters would manually push the wagon into the station.

 

Residents are invited to attend the ceremony and open house on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the West Myrtle fire station next to City Hall. Refreshments will be served, and staff will offer tours of the Fire/EMS facility.