A Day to Remember at Fire Station 7
On October 16, 2024, something quietly powerful unfolded at Fire Station 7. It wasn’t just about a new truck—though Truck 7, a state-of-the-art Pierce Tiller, is an impressive machine. It was about tradition, connection, pride, and community. The annual push-in ceremony brought together firefighters, leadership, and community members to mark the beginning of this new chapter. While the weather played nice, the real warmth came from the people who showed up and the meaning behind every hand that helped guide the new truck into its bay.
“Truck 7 isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a commitment. Every bolt and button stands for readiness, service, and trust.”
The Arlington Fire Department has a long history of honoring its tools and traditions. While some departments might quietly bring new equipment into service, our team believes in pausing to recognize the significance. Truck 7 will serve thousands, respond to emergencies big and small, and carry a team of professionals into the unknown every day. That deserves more than a simple engine start—it deserves a proper welcome.
The Push-In Ceremony: A Tradition Rooted in Brotherhood
Let’s step back in time for a moment. The push-in tradition dates back to the days when fire engines were horse-drawn. After returning from a call, the horses couldn’t back the wagons into the firehouse. So the firefighters dismounted and pushed the heavy equipment in themselves. No shortcuts, no automation—just teamwork. That simple act became a symbol of unity, responsibility, and pride. Over a hundred years later, we still honor that ritual every time a new rig arrives.
The act of pushing a modern fire truck into a station might seem symbolic—and it is—but it’s more than that. It’s physical, communal, and intentional. For the folks at Station 7, it meant lining up alongside colleagues, past and present, and giving a good shove with calloused hands and full hearts. Everyone from the chief to the newest recruit put their shoulder into it, because that’s what the fire service is about—shared effort and respect for the tools that help save lives.
“The old-school stuff still matters. We might have high-tech gear now, but tradition keeps us grounded.”
Truck 7: Built for Today, Ready for Tomorrow
Truck 7 isn’t your everyday vehicle. It’s a Pierce Tiller—designed with cutting-edge technology and a tiller cab for greater maneuverability in tight city streets. This rig is built for Arlington’s needs. With a 100-foot aerial ladder, storage for specialized rescue equipment, and integrated safety features, it’s both a workhorse and a safety net.
But as impressive as the specs are, they don’t capture what Truck 7 truly represents. To the firefighters, it means a safer, more reliable ride. It means having the right tools in the right place when seconds count. To the community, it means confidence—knowing that when an emergency hits, a well-equipped team is on its way.
The addition of Truck 7 wasn’t just a procurement decision—it was an investment in public safety. And that kind of investment deserves to be celebrated. That’s why everyone gathered on that October morning to be part of something that, at first glance, might seem routine. But to those in uniform, it was anything but.
“We’ve responded with less. But now, with Truck 7, we’re bringing our best.”
Voices from the Ceremony
Fire Chief Bret Stidham opened the ceremony with a few words that hit home. He talked about service, pride, and how each new piece of equipment reflects the department’s evolving mission. Council Member Long Pham, who represents the district where Station 7 is located, highlighted the importance of public investment in safety infrastructure. And then came the heart of the event—the moment when the members of C-shift placed their hands on the gleaming red rig and began to push.
Spectators cheered. Cameras clicked. But the moment stayed grounded in humility. These weren’t just photo ops—they were milestones. As the wheels rolled slowly across the concrete floor, a wave of emotion swept through the crowd. It was pride, but it was also reverence. Reverence for the job, for those who had done it before, and for what lies ahead.
“It’s not every day you get to be part of something that links past and future in one motion.”
The Station 7 Crew and Their New Partner
The firefighters of Station 7 don’t just work together—they live together, train together, and trust one another with their lives. Welcoming a new truck into that tight-knit space is like bringing in a new team member. They’ll come to know its every creak and rattle, how it handles on wet streets, and how fast they can deploy its tools in a high-stakes rescue.
There’s a special kind of bond that forms between a firefighter and their rig. It’s a partnership built on reliability. So as Truck 7 rolled into its new home, you could feel the energy shift. This wasn’t just equipment anymore—it was part of the family.
And like any new addition, it’ll take time to fully break it in. The crew will drill, inspect, and tinker. But soon enough, Truck 7 will feel like it’s always been there—ready at a moment’s notice.
Why These Traditions Still Matter
In a world moving faster every day, it’s easy to lose sight of old rituals. But in the fire service, tradition is the glue. It binds generations together, gives weight to milestones, and adds meaning to the day-to-day. The push-in ceremony isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a reminder of who we are and why we do what we do.
It reminds us that no matter how advanced our tools become, the human element is what really matters. That moment of shared effort, the symbolic shove, the pride in a well-earned tradition—those are the things that keep a department strong.
“Tradition isn’t about looking backward—it’s about honoring what endures as we move forward.”
A Shared Moment, A Shared Future
As the sun rose over Station 7 that morning, there was a quiet sense of momentum. Truck 7 had officially joined the ranks, not with fanfare or fireworks, but with unity and respect. Everyone who participated left with a bit more pride, a bit more connection, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself.
We’re proud of Truck 7, no doubt about it. But we’re even prouder of what it stands for—dedication, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of Arlington’s firefighters. Welcome home, Truck 7. You’ve got some big shoes to fill—but you’re in the right hands.
“It’s not just the truck. It’s the people behind it that make the difference.”
