A brand-new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Rosenbauer Panther 4×4 made quite the splash on Wednesday, April 29, at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport. Fire Chief Shane Edwards drove the new truck alongside Mayor Lester Miller, Airport Deputy Director Heather Lowe, and District 6 Commissioner Bill Howell ahead of the Push-In Ceremony.

“We are proud to add this Rosenbauer Panther 4×4 to our fleet,” said Chief Edwards. “This state-of-the-art ARFF vehicle enhances our ability to protect our community by ensuring we are equipped with the best in emergency response technology.”

The new ARFF truck replaces a 32-year-old vehicle, bringing advanced technology that allows firefighters to respond more quickly and efficiently during emergencies at the airport.

“This is an important step in making sure our airport remains safe, prepared, and ready to respond at any moment,” said Lowe. “Having this level of equipment on-site gives our passengers, staff, and tenants confidence that safety is always a top priority.”

The addition of the new truck also supports airport tenants, such as Dean Baldwin Painting, by helping meet safety standards that allow for continued growth and expansion.

“This fire truck may be just another fire truck to most people, but if you’re a pilot and have declared an emergency, that truck is the most important piece of equipment that you want to see,” said Commissioner Howell, who not only represents that district, but is also a pilot.

Once the speaking portion of the ceremony was over, firefighters, commissioners, and airport staff, all helped push the truck into its new bay. Push-in ceremonies date back to the days of horse-drawn fire equipment, when firefighters had to physically push their apparatus back into the station after returning from a call. Today, the tradition honors that history while celebrating new equipment that will serve the community for years to come.