The Athens-Clarke County Fire Department staged a customary push-in ceremony at Station 1 to welcome its new ladder vehicle into service. The fire apparatus push-in ritual dates back to the 1800s, when fire departments used horse-drawn equipment. When horses returned from calls, they were unable to back apparatus into the station, so firefighters had to dismount them and manually drive the equipment into the bay.

Although contemporary motorized apparatus no longer require this step, the custom has persisted as a way to commemorate the fire service's history. Departments frequently invite community members to participate, acknowledging the support that makes new equipment feasible. Residents and firefighters gathered at Station 1 to celebrate the arrival of the ladder truck and assist with the ceremonial push into the apparatus bay.