The Midland Fire Department has continued a time-honoured tradition and welcomed its new 811 Pumper truck with an “in-service” ceremony.
Dating back to the late 1880s, firefighters would physically push their horse-drawn apparatus back into the station, as horses could not reverse easily.
"What began as necessity has since become a symbol of teamwork, a reminder that while technology has evolved, the strength of a fire department has always come from people working together," the town said in a news release.
"The 'in-service' ceremony is not just parking a vehicle — it upholds a legacy. This tradition honours those who came before, celebrates those who serve today, and inspires those who will follow."