By Becky Maxedon

There are traditions built into nearly all walks of life and professions.

Fire departments across the country have plenty and one of those traditions is the push-in ceremony.

Lake Havasu City Fire Chief Peter Pilafas helped conduct a push-in ceremony Tuesday, welcoming a new apparatus to the department.

Fire Chief Peter Pilafas talks to the crowd about the new fire truck. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“Today, we’re welcoming one of our new engines. This is a push-in ceremony,” Pilafas said.

“Back in the 1800s, the tradition of fire departments began when they had horse-drawn equipment. The horses couldn’t back into the station, so the firefighters would push engines back into the station,”

Pilafas said Tuesday’s ceremony represented the push-in of a new piece of equipment.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“We’re kind of bringing that tradition back here in Lake Havasu City. We haven’t had a new engine here in over 10 years so this tradition, I think, this is important.

“I’ve been in fire service for more than 28 years and we didn’t do this. It’s just to bring the community together and show them that this is a gift for the community. We appreciate the mayor and city council for supporting us.”

Ori Okamoto checks out the new fire truck at Fire Station #3 in Lake Havasu on Tuesday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Tuesday’s ceremony was at Buena Vista Station No. 3 that serves the south side of Lake Havasu City, located at 3620 Buena Vista Ave.

Pilafas said there will be more push-in ceremonies in the city’s future. The department is expecting three new ambulances to be located at Station 1 and Station 2. Additional apparatus are expected in 2027 and 2028.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Mayor Cal Sheehy speaks at Fire Station #3 on Tuesday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

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