CCFR holds push in ceremony for new ambulance, Rescue 9, in Crystal River
Citrus County Fire (CCFR)
Citrus County Fire Rescue dedicated its new ambulance with a traditional “Push In” Ceremony, Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at DeRosa Fire Station 9, located at 10165 N. Citrus Ave. in Crystal River, Florida.
The traditional dedication push in ceremony honors the history and traditions of the fire service, while wishing well on all who serve on and are served by the community’s newest ambulance. The dedication push in ceremony has been a tradition in the fire service since the days of horse drawn fire apparatuses. When fire apparatuses were pulled by horses, horses were unable to back the fire apparatus into the firehouse, so the crew would unhitch the horses in front of the firehouse and place them into the stable, then wash the apparatus prior to pushing it into the apparatus bay.
“Citrus County Fire Rescue is very excited to deploy one of the new rescues for our citizens today. This new rescue will be serving our citizens twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week,” said Fire Chief Craig Stevens.
The new ambulance is a Type 1 Super Warrior Ford F550, with a four-wheel drive cab and chassis made by Osage Ambulances in Linn, Missouri. The vehicle was sold by Ten-8 Fire Equipment, Inc. in Bradenton, Florida. This is CCFR's first new ambulance unit since it began operating emergency medical transport services for Citrus County, Florida in October 2021. The ambulance is equipped with a Stryker “power-load” stretcher that aids in the safe loading and unloading of patients, and all the equipment necessary to provide advanced life support services to the community.
"We are truly proud of our latest addition," said Cortney Marsh, CCFR Communications Specialist.
“This new ambulance will save lives across Citrus County and is important infrastructure for delivering emergency response to our citizens,” said Citrus County Administrator Steve Howard.