Flagstaff, AZ — This month, Flagstaff Fire Station 4 officially welcomed a brand-new Type 1 fire engine into service with a traditional “push-in ceremony” — a symbolic nod to firefighting heritage that continues to unite generations of firefighters through a sense of tradition, pride, and teamwork.
The new fire engine, built in 2024, is equipped with a Velocity chassis and a powerful Cummins X16 engine that delivers 605 horsepower and 1,850 lb-ft of torque. Designed specifically with Flagstaff’s higher elevations in mind, this engine is optimized to operate efficiently in the mountain town’s thinner air.
Measuring 31 feet long, 8 feet wide, and weighing in at 50,000 pounds, the engine features a 1,500 GPM pump, 500-gallon water tank, and a Husky 3 foam system with a 20-gallon Class A foam reservoir. It also boasts modern LED lighting for increased visibility and safety during emergency responses.
The addition of the new apparatus comes as the previous Engine 4, a 2002 model, is moved into reserve status. The decision to replace it wasn’t taken lightly.
“There’s a lot that goes into determining when to retire an apparatus,” Flagstaff Firefighter Kelsey Fortnam explained. “Industry standards, age, mileage, hours, repair costs, and condition all play a role. At a certain point, it becomes more cost-effective and operationally sound to upgrade rather than continue repairs.”
The 2002 engine will still serve important roles in training at the academy and as a reserve unit when other trucks are out of service for maintenance.
The push-in ceremony held for the new engine was more than just a celebration—it was a nod to a tradition that dates back to the era of horse-drawn steam engines, when firefighters would literally push the equipment back into the firehouse after a call. Though no horses are involved today, the ceremonial act honors the heritage of the fire service and marks a proud beginning for the newest member of Station 4’s fleet.
Flagstaff residents can rest assured that this upgrade continues the department’s commitment to reliability and readiness when it matters most.
