Arkansas City Fire/EMS Pushes In New Engine 53 During Time-Honored Ceremony

Just before a downpour of rain, 60,000 pounds of gleaming red steel was pushed into place as members of the Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department officially welcomed their new 2025 Ferrara Custom Cinder T-Engine—now proudly designated as Engine 53.

The traditional Push-In Ceremony took place Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Arkansas City Fire Station, 115 S. D Street. This long-standing fire service tradition dates back to the late 1800s, when firefighters had to push their horse-drawn wagons back into the bay after returning from a call. Today, it honors both the profession’s history and the community’s ongoing commitment to public safety.

Adding a personal touch to the new truck is a custom emblem designed by Lieutenant AEMT Logan French. The emblem features crossed axes, the phrase “Fightin’ Fifties,” and the words “Engine 53 – Arkansas City Fire Department.” Originally created for shift jackets, the design now represents the department’s shared identity and pride. French noted that most departments have their own emblem to help build camaraderie among firefighters.

“The goal was to create something truly distinctive—something that, when people see it, they immediately recognize as Arkansas City,” French said.

Fire Chief Stuart Cassaboom said the emblem captures the department’s spirit and its deep roots in the community.

“We wanted something that was truly ours—something that represents our station, our trucks, and our people,” Cassaboom said. “This emblem is about starting new traditions and fostering pride within our firehouse.”

Cassaboom also shared the story behind the “Fightin’ Fifties.” Each fire district in Cowley County is assigned its own identifying number for dispatch, with Arkansas City designated as District 5. Because of that, all Arkansas City firefighters carry call numbers in the 500 range—making it easy for dispatchers and neighboring departments to recognize their units on the radio. Engine 53 proudly carries on that legacy, continuing the “50s” identity that has long represented the Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department.

The story of Engine 53 began in March 2023, when the City Commission approved the purchase of a new engine to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities. After two years of planning, design, and construction, the Ferrara Custom Cinder T-Engine was officially delivered on October 3, 2025.

Engine 53 is built to handle the demands of modern firefighting. It features a custom Ferrara Cinder chassis, a 3,000-gallon booster tank, and a Hale QMAX 2000 GPM pump—combining power, precision, and reliability.

The truck is also equipped with:
• A full complement of firefighting tools and gear valued at $117,949.79
• Self-contained breathing apparatus units and spare air bottles valued at $30,279.26
• Updated communications equipment, including radios, valued at $5,891.78

In total, the investment amounts to $1,034,520.83, financed through a 10-year lease-purchase agreement with Union State Bank.