Housing Ceremony for Tower 44 and TAC 44

The Springfield Fire Company celebrated the housing of two new pieces of apparatus on Saturday, September 25th.  The 1999 Sutphen Aerial Tower (Tower 44) and the 1999 Sutphen Light Rescue (TAC-44) here housed in a traditional Fire Service ceremony at the firehouse.  With beautiful weather and a large attendance, the day was a great success for the members of Springfield Fire Company and the residents of Springfield Township.

Fire Companies from surrounding communities that Springfield Fire Company operates with through out the year were in attendance as well as local politicians, former Chiefs and Presidents of Springfield Fire Company, members families, residents of Springfield Township and many others.

The housing ceremony is a tradition in the fire service that dates back to the turn of the century when apparatus was horse drawn.   The housing ceremony is conducted for new apparatus and involves "pushing" the apparatus three times into the station.  The first push is for God, the second push is for Country, and the third push is for the Fire Service.

The 1999 Sutphen Aerial Tower was placed into service on August 3rd, replacing the 1978 Sutphen Tower.  Tower 44 was purchased by Springfield Township following the recommended replacement schedule that was made several years ago when a survey was conducted of the Springfield Fire Company by an outside agency for the Commissioners of Springfield Township.

The 1999 Sutphen Light Rescue was placed into service on June 19th, replacing the 1989 Ford / American Eagle Tactical Unit.  TAC-44 was purchased through financing from the Springfield Township Firemen's Relief Association and Springfield Fire Company. This piece of apparatus will handle approximately 60% of the emergencies in Springfield Township during the year.

The addition of these two pieces of apparatus to Springfield Fire Company makes this the newest fleet of fire apparatus in Station 44 since the Company started out back in 1920.

Springfield Fire Company would like to thank all those individuals and organizations that attended this special day.  It was a huge success and the membership of Springfield Fire Company is very proud to protect such a fine community.  We would also like to thank everyone that made these two pieces of apparatus a reality.  The Springfield Fire Company is well prepared to provide Fire and Rescue Services well into the next millennium.