(Cushing, Okla.) It was a great evening at the Cushing Safety Center Monday, as citizens joined Cushing firefighters, former fire chiefs and other local dignitaries for a “Push Back” ceremony.The ceremony, a tradition in fire service, dates back to the time of horse drawn equipment. Firefighters had to push the fire pumpers into the fire station because horses were incapable of backing the equipment.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support and participation at our “Push Back” ceremony last night,” Cushing Fire Chief Chris Pixler said. “We would like to thank the citizens, commission, and manager for their continued support of fire and EMS services in our community. It was also great to see the retired fire chiefs again.”
Retired fire chiefs, Brent Kerr, Dennis Fisher, Paul Bell, Bill Myers, Sr. and John Henckel were also honored at a dinner held at the Safety Center just prior to the ceremony.
Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Terry Brannon, Vice-Chairman Don Amon, Commissioner Tommy Johnson, Commissioner Trace Rowe, along with City Manager Steve Spears, City Attorney Stewart Arthurs and former Cushing commissioners Evert Rossiter and Joe Manning were all present for the ceremony.
Cushing voters overwhelmingly approved the purchase of a new ladder truck in February, 2015. The purchase of the 2007, Smeal, 105 foot quint ladder truck was approved by the Cushing Board of Commissioners in July, 2015 at a purchase price of $400,000.00. Since its purchase, it has been outfitted and made ready to be put into service.
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