GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The Goldsboro Fire Department today marked a significant milestone with a ceremonial Push-In event celebrating the arrival of a new, state-of-the-art fire engine. The event combined longstanding fire service traditions with modern safety innovations, underscoring the department’s commitment to community safety and heritage.
Honoring the Past and Recognizing Support
Deputy Fire Chief James Farfour opened the ceremony by acknowledging community support and historical significance. “We have a very special guest here today,” Farfour said, referring to NACI Council Member White and some retirees seated nearby. “This tradition dates back to the days of four-stroke engines, built many decades ago. It’s a bond that reminds us of those who came before us.”
He added, “Our station is a vital part of this community. Today, we look at approximately 105 years of service between these two trucks. Thanks to the support of city leaders, community partners, residents, and taxpayers, we’re able to invest in equipment that helps us serve with excellence.”
Remarks from Department Leadership
Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Holland took the stage to express gratitude for the collective effort behind the new apparatus. “On behalf of the Goldsboro Fire Department, I want to thank everyone for the work that went into this truck,” Holland stated. “This committee first came together multiple times in April 2004. We traveled all over eastern North Carolina, including visits to the Ambulance Service Department and Atlantic Coast Fire Trucks, to purchase the Spartan Bumper you see today.”
He continued, “The engine that this truck replaces was nearly 20 years old. When designing the new engine, we worked hard to ensure it would serve this city for the next 20 years. It’s the second truck in the department to be equipped with Spartan’s Advanced Retention System, which includes additional safety features like side airbags to help protect our members from vehicle crashes—the second leading cause of firefighter fatalities in the United States.”
Holland highlighted the truck’s technical specifications: “It has a new 750-gallon water tank and a pump capable of flowing 1,500 gallons per minute. It’s designed to carry five firefighters and their equipment, including a wide range of rescue tools. Notably, it features the City of Goldsboro’s first set of battery-powered vehicle rescue equipment, known as Jolly Watch. These tools are more powerful, faster, and easier to deploy than anything we’ve ever had.”
He emphasized the comprehensive rescue capabilities: “The apparatus carries all-hazards rescue equipment capable of handling any technical rescue response needed by our community. The way the equipment is stored and mounted makes it safer and more efficient for our firefighters as they carry out their missions. You’ll also see the Howard River logo on the truck, paying homage to our station’s location on the city’s outer edge—a top priority area for us.”
Finally, Holland pointed out the truck’s visual design: “This vehicle features a new paint scheme and logo, representing our commitment to the future while paying tribute to our history. Since 1881, the Goldsboro Fire Department has been dedicated to life safety, and this new truck helps us uphold that tradition.”
Honoring Fallen Heroes and Advancing Safety
During the ceremony, Rogers paid tribute to fallen firefighters Robert Blizzard and Sidney Jones, who lost their lives during the 1998 Wayne-Oro-Southern fire. “November 6, 1998, was a tragic day for us,” Rogers said. “They got lost inside a burning building and couldn’t find their way out. If they had thermal imagers—now part of this new truck—they might still be with us today.”
He expressed gratitude for the support from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation: “This apparatus is equipped with thermal imagers for every crew. It’s possibly the biggest single safety advancement I’ve seen in my career, and it allows us to better protect our firefighters.”
Celebrating Fire Service Traditions: Wash Down and Push-In
The event also paid homage to longstanding fire service customs. First, the wash down, is a tradition dating back to the 1800s, when neighboring departments would ceremonially wash new equipment—such as horse-drawn wagons and hand-pulled carts—before pushing them into the station. Today, this ritual continues as a blessing of sorts for new apparatus.
The second tradition, the push-in, traces back to the era of early hand-drawn and steam-powered engines. Firefighters would physically push their equipment into the station after calls, symbolizing teamwork and readiness. Today, the department invited attendees to participate in wetting down the new truck and passing out ceremonial towels, supported by Atlantic Coast Fire Truck, which helped fund the event.
A Message of Progress and Remembrance
Farfour concluded by reflecting on the department’s long history and ongoing commitment. “Since 1881, the Goldsboro Fire Department has been dedicated to life safety,” he said. “Today’s event celebrates both our traditions and our progress. The thermal imagers and advanced safety features on this truck are a tribute to firefighters we’ve lost, and they help ensure we’re better prepared for tomorrow.”
Final Words and Community Appreciation
The ceremony wrapped up with heartfelt thanks to city officials, community partners, and residents. Farfour emphasized the importance of collective effort: “Supporting us with words is easy, but your comments and actions truly help us serve better. Today, we celebrate progress rooted in history, safety, and community.”
Attendees outside helped wet down the truck and passed ceremonial towels, reinforcing the unity and tradition that underpin the department’s mission. As Rogers summarized, “Today, we honor our past, embrace our future, and reaffirm our dedication to protecting this community.”
