MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon Fire Department marked the arrival of its newest medic unit with a push in ceremony on Thursday morning.
The ceremony is a long-standing fire service tradition for new trucks but a new tradition for medics.
“We’re honored to have our department members, city officials, community partners, families, and guests here to share in this special occasion,” Fire Chief Chad Christopher said.
The push-in ceremony tradition dates back to the days of the horse-drawn fire apparatus.
When returning from a call, the equipment could not be backed into the station. Firefighters and community members would disconnect the horses and physically push the apparatus back into the firehouse by hand.
“Over time, that act became a symbol of teamwork and service, readiness for the next call, and its connection to the community it serves,” Christopher said.
“The push-in ceremony also symbolizes that a new fire engine or new medic belongs to the community that funded it and the firefighter paramedics who operate it. It serves as powerful reminder of the partnership between firefighters in the community and safeguarding public welfare.”
Assistant Fire Chief Nate Hines said the new medic will help the department continue serving the community with pride, professionalism, and compassion.
The medic unit is a 2026 Ford F-4 four-wheel-drive chassis with a wheeled coach box. It’s built to meet the demands of modern emergency medical service and help crews respond safely, safely and effectively.
“Units like this are an essential tool that allows our members to provide the highest level of care to the citizens we serve every day,” Hines said. “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our taxpayers, city leadership, and everyone involved in supporting and funding this work.”
A commitment to community care
Hines noted that investments in equipment such as the new medic are not small.
The vehicle cost $279,000, with an additional $60,000 in specialized equipment. Crews transferred usable equipment from the older unit to ensure responsible spending.
However, the assistant chief noted that although the medic is equipped with modern technology and advanced lifesaving equipment, at the end of the day, they are still just tools.
“The truck, the monitors, the cots, and the equipment are only effective because of the highly trained and dedicated Mount Vernon fire personnel who use them every day,” he said.
“Our greatest asset has always been our members, the individuals who take an oath to protect and serve our citizens and who continue to strive for excellence in everything they do.”
“These men and women train tirelessly to prepare for any emergency at any hour and under any conditions. They bring professionalism, compassion, and commitment to every call, and this new medic will help support them in carrying out our mission.”
Assistant Fire Chief Nate Hines
The Rev. Marvin Haught, MVFD chaplain and pastor of Brandon Baptist Church, offered an opening prayer. He noted the significance of placing the new medic into service during National EMS Week.
He prayed for protection and skill for the paramedics who will staff the unit and said the vehicle will stand as a visible reminder that “help is right around the corner.”
