ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Allentown Fire Department welcomed two new fire engines into service Monday with a traditional push-in ceremony, celebrating the arrival of Engine 13 and Engine 14 as part of the city’s ongoing fleet-replacement plan.
The ceremonies, held at East Side Fire Station on North Irving Street and Fearless Fire Company No. 14 of Allentown Inc., drew firefighters, city officials and students from the Allentown School District, who helped participate in the symbolic ritual dating back to the 1800s.
The tradition began when firefighters returned from calls with horse-drawn engines and had to manually push them back into the station. Today, it serves as a gesture of teamwork, pride and readiness.
“These are twin engines that will help us respond to everything from fires to medical calls and accidents,” said Fire Chief Efrain Agosto Jr. “The new technology makes it safer for our firefighters and for residents across the city.”…