West Grey Durham Fire Station Hosts Traditional Fire Truck Push-In Ceremony

West Grey, ON — On May 14, 2025, the West Grey Durham Fire Station proudly welcomed its newest fire truck with a time-honoured push-in ceremony.

Members of the West Grey Fire Department, Council, and community residents gathered to celebrate this special occasion, marking the arrival of the state-of-the-art fire apparatus that will serve and protect the community for years to come.

The push-in ceremony, a tradition dating back to the 1800s, involves firefighters and guests physically pushing the new fire truck into the station bay. In the past, fire wagons were pulled by horses and had to be manually pushed back into the fire hall. Today, this ceremonial act pays homage to those early days and serves as a meaningful way to welcome a new vehicle into service.

“This ceremony is not just about a new truck, it’s about community, history, and our continued commitment to safety and service,” said Phil Shwartz, Chief of the West Grey Fire Department. “We're proud to uphold this tradition and to showcase the strength of our fire team and the support of the community.”

The new fire truck is equipped with the latest firefighting technology and safety features, significantly enhancing the department’s emergency response capabilities.

The West Grey Fire Department extends its thanks to everyone who attended and supported this important milestone.

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Media contact:
Phil Schwartz, Fire Chief
pschwartz@westgrey.com
519 369 2505