“The fire service has a deep connection and reverence for tradition,” he said.

The pushing-in ceremony tradition dates back to the early days of the fire service in the 1800s when horse-drawn equipment was used to fight fires. Horses can only pull, not push, equipment, so after a call firefighters would push an apparatus back into the station to be ready for the next fire.

The ceremony started with filling the water tank on the new apparatus as a symbol of transferring the duty and responsibility to the new truck, and equipping it with the tools necessary to complete its duties.

Next came the hosing down and drying off the vehicle.

This tradition harkens back to a time when a new fire horse for a horse-drawn apparatus would be given a bath to welcome the new and retire the old.

Particular attention was paid to the tires, which dates back to the hub-and-spoke era where washing the wooden wheels kept them from drying out after a fire.

Chaplain R.G. Montgomery offered a blessing over the new vehicle. In days past, local clergy historically would bestow blessings upon a horse for long life, strength, good health and to ward off any evil spirits.

With the truck equipped and cleaned, firefighters and members of the public helped push the vehicle into the station located just east of the Adams County office building — formerly Wallace School — south of Hastings.

The ceremony was followed by the department’s inaugural fundraiser, with donations going to purchase equipment upgrades for the department.

Chief Nathan Hamik said he appreciated the great turnout for the event.

Saturday’s event included a kids’ obstacle course, yard games and silent auction items. Citizens had the opportunity to participate in a smoke simulation trailer and fire truck tours.

Capt. Tyler Hermann said he was happy to see people come out to show their support for the fire department.

“It’s awesome seeing the support we’ve gotten from the community,” he said. “We really couldn’t update our equipment without everyone’s generosity.”