On Monday April 27, 2026, the City of Swainsboro placed their new Engine 1 in service. A ceremony that dates back over two hundred years was held at fire headquarters. A brief history of the American Fire Service from the seventeen hundreds shows that hand drawn machines known as hand-tubs were used to fight fire. As improvements were made and machines grew larger, they required horses to pull them. Like today’s vehicles, they were capable to travel forward but lacked a method of getting back into the fire station. Thus, was born “Push -In” where the firefighters would push the horse drawn apparatus back into the station.
Today a Push-In ceremony was held with a crowd of firefighters both full time and volunteers, members of the City Administration and city council officials and members of the Swainsboro community. Chief Alima Mims gave a brief talk explaining the tradition and then invited all present to assist in pushing the brand new 2026 HME 1500gpm pumper into the station. This engine has the latest in new firefighting technology, warning lights and scene lights. All present had an opportunity to examine the truck and equipment with the youngsters testing the siren and air horns. Chief Mims radioed to 9-1-1 at 1800 hours placing Engine 1 in service and ready to respond.
