The Big Red Engine That Can

The Marco Island Fire Department held a ‘Push-In’ ceremony for their brand-new fire engine on Thursday, October 22. A small crowd gathered to take part in a tradition dating back to the 1800s and was comprised of city employees, law enforcement, local dignitaries, fire enthusiasts, and involved citizens.

MIFD Chief Chris Byrne elaborated on the journey to secure funding for the engine and took a moment to thank City Manager Casey Lucius. “She led the effort to propose this fire engine to our legislative appropriation funding in 2023 and covered 30% of the vehicle’s cost,” said Byrne, who went on to thank Ron Book and Ronnie Brown for their lobbyist efforts to achieve the funding.

He expressed that the most challenging part was having this funding reappropriated in the two years that followed the initial award. “We had a few close calls with reappropriation; without their efforts, funding would have been lost.”

Senator Kathleen Passidomo, a supporter of the project, successfully achieved legislative funding during her term as Senate President and was thanked.

Lastly, Chief Byrne recognized and thanked the city councilors for their support and approval. “We know that decisions about public safety investments are never taken lightly, and we sincerely appreciate your membership and support.”

Deputy Chief Matt Marshall took a few moments to share the backstory behind the need for the engine and its capabilities. He started with the unique fact that this fire engine was specifically built for Marco Island. “During Hurricane Ian, we had the first electrical vehicle fire in the state of Florida. We subsequently ended up having over twenty electric vehicle fires. At that time, we couldn’t even get there. So, after the storm, we decided we had to look at getting an engine that we can go and respond during flooding events.”

Sitting down in 2023 to design and develop the truck, they enlisted the help of Pierce Manufacturing, the single source leader in custom fire apparatus innovation and manufacturing with 110 years of experience. After reviewing multiple designs and with the help of their battalion chiefs and firefighters, they landed on the truck that is now before them.

“This engine has the ability to go through thirty-two inches of flood water. We can drive up to the bottom of the doors in water. We designed this with all the critical infrastructure on the truck above that, so if we do have to go through those waters, we can,” said Marshall.

The truck boasts an impressive 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump and holds 750 gallons of water, all while having the capability of pumping and rolling. This means that the turret on the front can be operated from inside the cab without the firefighters having to get out. “This is very important, especially during hurricanes or any flooding events,” Marshall continued.

The truck also has rescue capabilities including the Jaws of Life to help people who are stuck in their vehicle, and a winch to move vehicles or debris out of the way or out of floodwater.

Marshall thanked the committee and the Chief for their design help, and Battalion Chief Edward Cabal and Battalion Chief Jeffrey Kutzki Jr., who spent countless hours designing this. “This truck had over 400 lines in the specification and they went painstakingly through that to make sure we got the truck that we wanted and was going to work for our fire department.”

Reverend Scott Kerens, MIFD and PD Chaplain, expressed gratitude for the provision of the vehicle and prayed for the safety of the men and women who will operate this truck.
Chief Byrne thanked those who came to take part in the Push-In ceremony, a tradition for placing a new fire engine in service. He informed all that it is a tradition that dates back to the 1800s, when there were fire carts drawn by horses and new carts would be manually pushed back by the firefighters into the station following a call. 

“This tradition connects us to a generation of firefighters before. While we no longer rely on horses, thank you, this tradition continues as a reminder of our teamwork, dedication, and responsibility to the community we serve.”

“Today, we welcome a unique fire engine designed to operate during flooding events. But even with all its technology, the heart of this department remains with the firefighters who operate it.”

“As we push this truck into its new home, we reaffirm our promise to always answer the call, to serve with courage and to protect the community with everything we have. Thank you all who have made this day possible. Your support fuels our dedication and we are proud to serve.” Chief Byrne concluded.

The first step in the ‘Push-In’ ceremony was the washing of the wheels. In the 1800s, the streets were mainly dirt and horse droppings. The wheel washing rid the fire cart of the filth, and in modern times is also a symbol of the FD’s commitment to take care of and maintain their equipment.

The second step is the washing of the truck itself. In the 1800s, the horses would be bathed.

The third step enlisted help from the community, who gathered to help dry the truck. Bright red cloths were dispersed and everyone pitched in to dry the new truck.

A bell ringing came next. “The sequence of rings explains to other stations that a new fire engine has been placed in service.”

After the rings, Battalion Chief Rodriguez notified dispatch to place the truck in service.

With dispatch confirming, the final step of the ceremony called for those in attendance to place hands on the truck and formally push it into its new home.

Once it was safely in its new home, attendees were encouraged to mingle and explore the new truck. Commemorative coins for the engine were given to those present, further marking this special ceremony in Marco Island’s history.