Many hands made light work Thursday afternoon as Prince Edward County firefighters joined with Council members to ceremoniously push the new pumper into the Picton fire station on McDonald Drive.
“Today is all about connecting with the traditions that make the fire service so special and honouring the dedication of Prince Edward County firefighters past and present,” Interim Fire Chief Tim Kraemer says. “We also want to say thanks to our residents for ongoing support and investments in fire protection services.”
Horses drawn fire apparatus of the 18th and early 19th centuries could not be backed into the fire station when returning from a fire call, firefighters would disconnect the horse from the fire apparatus and manually push the apparatus into the station. Today, push-in ceremonies pay tribute to former firefighters and fire service traditions. The act of pushing a fire truck into the station unites firefighters, local government officials and members of the public to celebrate investments in public safety.
The new pumper truck is replacing a 26-year-old pumper. The apparatus will primarily support fire ground operations in the wards of Picton, Bloomfield, Hallowell, and North Marysburgh. The truck will also respond to calls in Sophiasburgh and South Marysburgh wards to ensure that critical incidents involving interior fire attack and rescue operations are supported by a frontline-rated apparatus.
Council approved the procurement of the new pumper in the 2024 capital budget. The purchase price of the truck was $638,280.
Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue provides the community with efficient and effective fire protection services. Firefighters are highly trained in many disciplines and are constantly maintaining and improving their skills to better serve Prince Edward County.
Fire safety education is also an important part of Fire and Rescue’s mission. Fire Prevention Week is currently underway with the theme of “Charge into Fire Safety.” Fire and Rescue is reminding the public to stay safe when using and charging electronic devices and lithium-ion batteries.
Firefighters will be at several upcoming events to share information with the public:
- Wellington Main Street near Foodland, October 10 from 10 am to 2 pm
- Campbells Orchards on Saturday, October 18 starting at 8:30 am
- Wellington Pumpkinfest on Saturday, October 18
Follow Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue on Facebook for more information and updates on events.
