Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) Fire Academy students celebrated the arrival of a newly donated firetruck from Fort Walton Beach Fire Department with a traditional Push-In Ceremony on Oct. 23.
The Fort Walton Beach Fire Department’s generous donation provides NWFSC Fire Academy students with an invaluable hands-on training resource. Fire Chief Thearon Shipman, Division Chief Leann Waters, NWFSC President Mel Ponder, Dean of Workforce Education Dr. Chris Gabers, and Public Safety Training Center Director Jo Culberson joined to inspire students as they ceremoniously pushed the firetruck into the building.
“This firetruck represents more than just equipment—it provides real-world experience for our students,” said Jo Culberson, Public Safety Training Center Director. “It gives them the opportunity to train with the same tools and technology they’ll use on the job, offering the hands-on experience essential for protecting and serving our community. We are deeply grateful to the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department for donating this vital resource.”
The Push-In Ceremony traces its origins to the 1800s, when horse-drawn fire apparatuses had to be manually pushed back into the firehouse after a call because the horses could not back in. While modern vehicles no longer require this maneuver, the tradition endures as a meaningful tribute to the history and camaraderie of the fire service.
In honor of those early fire crews, many departments continue the custom today when placing a new apparatus into service—often inviting the community to share in the milestone.
Northwest Florida State College extends its sincere appreciation to the City of Fort Walton Beach for its support, generosity, and ongoing commitment to preparing the next generation of highly skilled firefighters.
To learn more about Northwest Florida State College’s public safety programs, visit: nwfsc.edu/academics/public-safety/.
