Akron Reporter

Mayor Gerard Neugebauer, Fire Chief Jeff Funai and the Green Fire Division invite the community to a Fire Truck Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, January 21 at 1 p.m. at Green Fire Station #1, 4200 Massillon Road.  Green Fire’s newest vehicle, Green Tower 1, a Pierce Velocity 100 foot aerial platform, joins the Green Fire fleet replacing a 25+ year old ladder truck.  

Members of the community are invited to attend the traditional “push in” dedication ceremony, which will begin with a blessing and brief remarks from Mayor Gerard Neugebauer and Fire Chief Jeff Funai.   Following the prepared remarks, fire staff will “push in” the truck to the Fire Station service bay, which is a symbolic nod to the beginning of fire service in our nation when engines were horse drawn and were pushed into the barn after the horses were unhitched.   Retirees of Green Fire are invited to assist spraying down the truck and children and community members are invited to assist in drying the vehicle. 

 In addition to the engine dedication, Green’s newest Firemedic Zach Shier, will take his oath of service, followed by a ceremonial pinning of his badge.  

 “We invite the community to share in these symbolic moments and celebration,” said Chief Jeff Funai. “These celebrations are steeped in history and embody our values of service to our community, which remind us all of our duty and service to others.”  

 Refreshments will be served.  Parking for the free event is available at the Fire Station in the Steese Road lot and across the street at Anthony Funeral Home.  The event will be in the service bays, so please dress accordingly. 

Original source can be found here