97 CES receives, welcomes new fire truck

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Breanna Klemm
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

The 97th Civil Engineer Squadron received its newest addition to the fire truck fleet, a hazardous material rescue engine (Rescue 9), on Oct. 23, 2019, at Altus Air Force Base, Okla. The Altus AFB Fire Department welcomed Rescue 9 through a long-standing “housing” tradition that began in 1830 when horse-drawn carriages, or fire carts, could not be backed into the fire station. Firemen, along with local community members, would push the fire cart back into the station themselves while the rest of the members put the horses up. This unique yet efficient technique was continued throughout history and is still used today. Current technology does not require the same process used in the 1830’s, but firefighters still continue to “house” a new truck the first time it arrives at the station. The Altus AFB Fire Department and Airmen from across the base provided a hand to successfully push the truck into the station as a team. New trucks and equipment such as Rescue 9 are an important addition to the Fire Department because they provide Airmen Warriors with the up-to-date resources they need to stay mission-ready. This unique event offered Airmen of the Mighty 97th the opportunity to work together as a team while continuing to honor the history of the Fire Department.