Macon-Bibb County Fire Department holds Push-In Ceremonies for two new Firetrucks
“Firefighters would go back to the fire station with those steamers and they would actually unhook the horses and cool the horses down and make sure that they were ready for the next call and back in shape and at the time, all the firefighters, after the horses were cooled down, they would actually push the steamer back into the fire station,” said Shane Edwards, Fire Chief for the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Over at Fire Station #10, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department unveiled and held a Push-In Ceremony for one of its new Sutphen 100-foot platform ladder trucks on Tuesday.
Firefighters, District Commissioners, and community members helped push the truck into the bay as firefighters loaded it with equipment officially bringing it into service. According to Shane Edwards, Fire Chief for the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, the ceremonial Push-In dates back to the 1800s.
“Firefighters would go back to the fire station with those steamers and they would actually unhook the horses and cool the horses down and make sure that they were ready for the next call and back in shape and at the time, all the firefighters, after the horses were cooled down, they would actually push the steamer back into the fire station,” said Edwards.
(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)
Edwards also says the new truck known as Aerial 10 (2025 Sutphen SP 100 Aerial Platform Apparatus) cost between $1.5 and $1.6 million and will be replacing a (1995 Simon Duplex Aerial) which has been running for 30 years and will be switched into a reserve status in case newer trucks need repairs as it still can be used for a few more years.
“Well it makes you feel proud that we not only talk about public safety, but we put our money where our mouth is,” said Macon-Bibb County Mayor, Lester Miller. “Now, people don’t realize in Macon-Bibb County we have a class one fire department. What that means is every citizen that owns a home in Macon-Bibb County can feel safe, but they also get a severe tax decrease for the insurance they pay.”
According to Sutphen’s official website, the SP 95 and SP 100 Aerial Platforms deliver powerful performance in a streamlined design, featuring a five-section, midmount box boom secured with huck bolts for strength and longevity. With a low center of gravity and a single set of out-and-down outriggers, these aerials are quick to set up and built for stability in fast-moving scenarios. The midmount design enhances handling and balance, making it easier to operate in tight environments. At the platform, crews benefit from ground-level access and a generous tip load, providing safe, efficient operation under demanding conditions. These aerial platforms provide a high-reach, heavy-duty platform that embodies Sutphen’s commitment to safe design, superior engineering, and reliable performance.
(Photo Credit: Godfrey Hall/41NBC)
“It’s a lot that goes into this in this particular field of work that we do and having the equipment is the most important piece of that, to ensure that we’re able to provide the safety that we need to our communities,” said Paul Bronson, District 2, Commissioner for Macon-Bibb County, who also use to serve as a firefighter.
Also, according to Edwards, there are a total of 8 of these aerial apparatuses serving Macon-Bibb County and all trucks reach up to 100ft which is a requirement to keep their Class 1 ISO Rating.
“They are very instrumental in rescue operations being able to move our firefighters into high elevated platforms, elevated areas to where we may have to do a rescue, or we may have to advance hose lines into a high rise or a structure fire.”
“We actually spec out our apparatus to make sure they have all the equipment, latest technology, anything that they need to make sure that our firefighters can go out and perform their duties safely and swiftly in communities,” said Edwards.
“We thank you now, God, for the opportunity for us to come to this place to celebrate a new family member, Aerial 10. We thank you for all it’s going to do and what you brought here to do today. In Jesus name. Amen,” said Levornia Franklin, Chaplain for the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, praying during the ceremony.
Another ceremony for the second new truck was also held at Fire Station #18.
Fire Station #10 is located at 800 Oglethorpe Street and Fire Station #18 is located at 7100 Peake Road North in Macon.
