MILLINOCKET — The town of Millinocket welcomed a brand-new fire truck with a traditional “push-in” ceremony. 

A crowd of town residents joined firefighters in physically pushing the vehicle into its new home Tuesday evening. 

Town officials said it’s essential that the department has the latest equipment, because Millinocket’s service area expands well beyond the town’s border and into remote regions of Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. 

“In a rural community here in Millinocket, we have mutual aid agreements with our other small town neighbors nearby, as well as unorganized territories,” said Peter Jamieson, Millinocket town manager. “We cover a lot of service area, and it’s really important to have functional equipment.” 

The new truck, engine 781, also comes with new equipment and can carry 1,000 gallons of water to help ensure the crew has the capacity to put out fires farther away from water sources. 

Jamieson says the department first realized they were in need of a new truck in the early summer of last year, when one of their engines couldn’t pass a pump test. 

“[Town residents] are going to see first responders coming in top-notch gear,” said Jamieson. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our town council being able to act quickly and purchase this truck in a limited window with a short notice, as well as the support from the community.” 

The fire department says the “push-in” ceremony is a time-honored tradition dating back to the 1800s to symbolize good luck. 

“It’s a traditional ceremony in the fire service on arrival of a new engine,” said Jonathan Cote, Millinocket Fire Chief. “This dates back to the late 1800s when fire departments returned with horse-drawn fire engines, they would have to push those in.”