Leland fire department unveils new fire truck at push-in ceremony

LELAND, NC (WWAY-TV) — The town of Leland celebrated the arrival of a new fire engine on Wednesday. The push-in ceremony took place at fire station 52 at 1379 River Road.

Firefighters, town council members, families and the town mayor participated in the ceremony. The longstanding tradition dates back to an era of horse-drawn engines when firefighters would push the engine into the station bay.

Ronnie Hayes, Leland fire chief said it was an exciting time to receive the 2024 engine which will replace one they’ve had since 2007.

“It’s a morale builder plus you think about the new technology in these apparatuses’ compared to like you look at a watch or a phone and how it changes from year to year and you haven’t had a new apparatus since 2007 and how technology changes, it makes a big difference in how we operate,” Hayes said.

The Leland fire station said the engine was purchased in 2022 for $800,000. It will enhance the town’s emergency response featuring a powerful pump capable of moving 2,000 gallons of water per minute and a 750-gallon tank onboard for immediate use.