Palmer Fire and Rescue celebrates new engine with community

PALMER — Palmer Fire and Rescue celebrated the arrival of a new fire engine with an Engine Push In ceremony held at Station 3-1 in downtown Palmer Saturday, May 4.

“This is a pretty big day for Palmer Fire and Rescue,” Palmer Fire and Rescue Chief Chad Cameron said.

Firefighters were joined by attending community members who helped them push the new fire engine into the station. Cameron said this a long held firefighter tradition practiced across the country. He said that he enjoyed sharing this exciting milestone with the community.

“It feels awesome,” Cameron said.

Cameron explained that the new fire engine is replacing a fire engine from the 1980s and it's equipped with new technology to maximize efficiency during their responses. He said the new engine will serve as their primary response vehicle.

“Beyond its impressive features and technology, this fire engine represents something much deeper. It represents the spirit of unity and community that defines Palmer Fire and Rescue. It represents the countless hours of sacrifice and dedication that each and every member of our department puts forth every day. Most importantly, it represents the trust and confidence the people of Palmer have placed in us to always be there when they need us the most,” Cameron said. “Together, let us embrace the future with optimism and determination knowing that with this new fire engine that we're better equipped to fulfill our solemn duty to protect and serve.”

Palmer Fire and Rescue is a volunteer operation that responds to more than just fires. Cameron said they also respond to vehicle wrecks and other emergency situations. He said they have four full time administrative employees, three full time responders, and a pool of 65 volunteer firefighters. He said that their sense of community is one of their core values.

“Every one of our members is here to help… I believe Palmer Fire and Rescue really embodies that,” Cameron said.

After the ceremony, the attendees were able to sit down in the station to enjoy a movie night. In honor of May the 4th, an unofficial annual celebration of the “Star Wars” franchise, the designated film was “Episode I: The Phantom Menace.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com