Chancellor Gary May (center) and members of the Fire Department stand in front of the new Ladder Fire Truck.

UC Davis Celebrates Arrival of New Ladder Truck with Traditional Push-In Ceremony

  • by Hayley S Morris

On Nov. 19, the UC Davis Fire Department celebrated the arrival of its new Fire Truck with a traditional push-in ceremony. 

This tradition dates back to the era of horse-drawn fire carriages when firefighters would physically push a new firefighting vehicle into the station. Held at Station 34, the event marked a milestone for the department, which only replaces its ladder truck every 15–20 years.

UC Davis Interim Fire Chief Nathaniel Hartinger explained the new Ladder 34 truck comes at a critical time for the department. “Our call volume continues to increase, and we are adapting to meet the challenge,” he said. The department only has one ladder truck, so the vehicle must be always functioning. However, as the previous truck aged, maintaining its reliability became increasingly difficult and expensive. The new truck ensures the department can respond effectively to the growing demands of the campus community while enhancing safety and preparedness.

Fire Chief Nate Hartinger gives a speech to a gathering of community members at the Push In Ceremony.
Interim Fire Chief Hartinger gives a speech in front of the new fire truck to firefighters, students, staff and community.

Ladder Truck 34 comes with several safety and operational enhancements, including a 107-foot aerial ladder that can reach every building on campus and also function as a crane for rescue operations. The truck is also equipped with advanced safety systems including airbags, automatic braking, collision avoidance technology, roll-over protection, and a 360-degree camera system for increased visibility.

These upgrades ensure both firefighter and community safety, especially when navigating busy campus roadways shared with pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, the truck is equipped with an exhaust and particulate capture system to minimize emissions, reflecting UC Davis' commitment to sustainability.

The current truck will move to reserve status, ready to step in during maintenance periods for the new truck.

Community members, Chancellor Gary May, and Firefighters push the front of the new Fire Truck into Station 34.
Chancellor Gary May was among the attendees, who helped the fire department push the truck into Station 34.
Side view of the Fire Truck being pushed in the garage by Firefighters. A firefighter sits behind the wheel, helping navigate the truck inside.
UC Davis firefighters help push and guide the truck backwards into Station 34.

The push-in ceremony was attended by Chancellor Gary May, students, career staff, and members of the Davis community. In true firefighter fashion, the department’s crews were called to a small campus fire just as the event began—a fitting example of the dynamic nature of life at Station 34.

The arrival of Ladder Truck 34 ensures that the UC Davis Fire Department is well-prepared to meet the campus's growing needs for years to come. This new addition reflects the department’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and service for the entire campus community.

Front view of the Ladder Truck inside Station 34, with community members, Chancellor May, and Firefighters in front of the truck.
The new Ladder Truck 34 successfully enters Station 34.