Public invited to new Las Vegas fire engine ‘push-in’ initiation

By Matthew Seeman

(KSNV) — The public is invited to the initiation ceremony for a new fire engine that will serve the city of Las Vegas.

Fire engine 201 is scheduled to enter service at Fire Station 1 downtown on Monday, June 23, with an initiation starting at 9 a.m.

Chaplains with Las Vegas Fire & Rescue will bless the new emergency unit, and then firefighters and willing community members will push the engine into the bay.

Mayor Shelley Berkley, Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong and Fire Chief Fernando Gray were announced to join the ceremony.

The push-in ceremony dates back to the 1800s, when horse-drawn fire apparatus required unique stationing. Firefighters would disconnect the horses and manually push the engine into the bay.

The tradition endures to this day as a mark of respect and honor for the introduction of a new fire engine.

Fire Station 201 is located at 500 N. Casino Center Blvd. at the corner southeast corner with Bonanza Road.

Officials say the new Engine 201 features advanced capabilities and will play a pivotal role in public safety.