Push-In Ceremony Planned for ACFD Engine 53

The Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department is proud to announce the arrival of its new 2025 Ferrara Custom Cinder T-Engine, officially designated as Engine 53. To mark this milestone, the department will host a Push-In Ceremony on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Fire Station, 115 S. D Street.

A Push-In Ceremony is a time-honored fire service tradition dating back to the late 1800s, when firefighters had to push their horse-drawn wagons back into the firehouse after returning from a call. Today, this ritual honors both the history of the profession and the community’s continued dedication to public safety.

The story of Engine 53 began in March 2023, when the City Commission authorized the purchase of a new engine to strengthen the city’s emergency response. After two years of planning, design, and construction, the Ferrara Custom Cinder T-Engine has now been delivered.

Engine 53 is a heavy-duty fire engine built to handle the demands of modern firefighting. It features a rugged chassis, high-capacity pump, and expanded storage for gear and equipment. The engine has been equipped with:

• A full complement of loose firefighting tools and gear, valued at $117,949.79.
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units and spare air bottles, valued at $30,279.26.
• Updated communications equipment, including radios, valued at $5,891.78.

In total, the investment comes to $1,034,520.83, financed through a 10-year lease-purchase agreement with Union State Bank. This includes not only the engine itself, but also the critical tools and technology needed to keep Arkansas City firefighters safe and effective on every call.

The community is invited to attend the ceremony on October 7.