(12/4) On December 3rd members of the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company (WVFC) prepared their new Engine 111 for its first call by conducting a ‘pushing in’ ceremony.

Nearly eighteen months of research, planning, fiscal discussions, and ongoing fundraising efforts lead up to this important new equipment upgrade. The new "E-111" was delivered in mid-October, and since then has been undergoing final mounting of equipment items and crew familiarization.

Before placing an engine into service, it is tradition that and it gets pushed into the firehouse. This ceremony dates to when first responders were still armed with horse drawn fire engines. Upon completion of a call, the horses were unhitched, and crew members would push the fire cart in themselves for it to be ready for the next call. Today the tradition is shared with community members who are invited to lend a hand for the big push.

The pushing-in ceremony brought together crew members, family, and smiling faces from all corners of the community. Captain Staley stated that he didn’t recognize everyone in attendance, cheerfully adding that he hopes more individuals continue to get involved. He also added that the WVFC is lucky to have the ongoing support from the community, and it becomes obvious when they make important decisions like investing in new equipment.

Bill Horine said Matt Staley deserves the majority of the credit as "he put an enormous amount of time into the procurement of the engine and the mounting of equipment. Being able to participate in the preparation of the new engine for service instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in all of those that helped," said Horine. "It was truly a group accomplishment and I'm just one of the spokes in the wheel."

Brian Hildebrand, who has volunteer for 47 years and president WVFC from 2011 to 2013, said the pushing in ceremony was proud moment for him. "A lot of sweat, blood, and tears went into buying the truck and all the hard work that went into fund raisers to pay for it."

Kritsti Staley said the event "was the completion of two years of hard work, and shows the dedication and supports of not only the membership, but the community, we couldn’t do it without them." Staley said she was looking forward to making a lot of new memories with running the new engine.

Elli Boston and her brother, Logan, both members of the WVFC‘s Cadet Program, said they felt like they where witnessing their future. "To be honest, I never really ‘knew‘ the old E-111," said Logan, "but I’m going to grow up the new E-111. It will be my future, my Engine. It will be the Engine I make memories with. And hopefully, in 25 years, I’ll standing here, with my kids, witnessing the pushing in of its replacement for them." Fellow Cadet, Colten Walkons, echoed Logan’s comments, "this Engine is my future."

After being safely pushed inside, and following its blessing by Burgess Chad Weddle, Chief Chad Barrick called in to Frederick County Emergency Dispatch and informed them that Engine 111 was in service and ready for a call. "It feels really good to see in service, and I hope to be there for the first call we receive for it," said Staley.

The cost of the new Engine 111 was $725,000, which will be paid over the next few years from the proceeds from the Fire Company’s various fundraising initiatives, such as bingos, the carnival, &c..