Macon-Bibb Fire Department Unveils New $1.3M Ladder Truck

On Thursday, August 1, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department held a Push-In Ceremony for its newest aerial apparatus at Fire Station #11, located at 3020 Riverside Drive. The Push-In Ceremony, a tradition dating back to the 1800s, marks the arrival of new fire equipment and involves pushing the apparatus into the station.

View the full ceremony here.

Fire Chief Shane Edwards highlighted the significance of aerial ladders, stating, “Aerial ladders are instrumental in the rescue and recovery efforts of victims who may become trapped in a high-rise structure. We also utilize aerial ladders for the rescue of victims who may experience a medical emergency on a rooftop. Most high and low angle rope rescue emergencies depend on the use of aerial ladders to assist with rescues.”

The new $1.3 million ladder truck was funded primarily through Special Local Options Sales Tax (SPLOST). Mayor Lester Miller emphasized the importance of investing in public safety, stating, “Public safety has always been at the top of our priority list, and thanks to our penny sales tax, we’re able to put more money towards funding public safety. It’s essential that our departments have the resources they need to help keep our community safe.”

Macon-Bibb County now has a total of eight aerial apparatuses, strategically positioned throughout the county to ensure effective emergency response for high-rise fires and rescues.