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On Thursday, April 18, 2024, the Municipality of Greenstone hosted a very special dedication ceremony at Fire Station #2 in the Geraldton Ward. Approximately 100 people gathered to witness the Municipality dedicate a new Pumper/Tanker Truck in honour of former Municipal Councillor, 41-year volunteer firefighter (24 years spent as Chief), and beloved life-long resident, John Marino.

Following a heartfelt speech, Mayor Jamie McPherson invited John’s wife Chereyl and daughter Angie to reveal the decal on the truck officially commemorating the dedication. The Mayor then welcomed other members of the Marino family, Councillor Koning, Councillor Pietsch, Councillor Walterson, and members of the Greenstone Volunteer Fire Department to assist him, Chereyl and Angie, with the official “Push In” of the fire truck.

The “Push In” ceremony dates back to the days of horse-drawn equipment when members had to push the equipment into the bay. Beginning in the 1800s, after crews returned from a call on horse-drawn equipment, the animals were unable to back into the station, requiring members to detach the horses and push the equipment into the bay. Over time, with the invention and adoption of motorized apparatus, the need to manually move the equipment was gone. However, the legacy of the push-in was secured.

Now, in honour of those early crews, many Municipalities and fire departments hold a push-in ceremony when taking delivery of a new apparatus.

John Marino was one of the greatest supporters for the Fire Department, and someone who always advocated for safe and reliable equipment to ensure protection of the volunteer firefighters, Greenstone residents, and anyone passing by us. The purchase of this new truck is in line with the Fire Master Plan. The Plan recommends acquiring Pumper/Tanker combinations to have up to date vehicles that will be reliable, capable, and meet local needs.

Mayor McPherson stated “It’s been many years since the Municipality has purchased a brand-new Fire Truck. This vehicle is also part of the longer-term strategy to modernize the fleet ensuring protection and continuing to build on the foundation built by many years of commitment by Councils, residents, and most importantly our dedicated volunteer firefighters.”

Following the ceremony attendees were invited to stay for cake, tour the fire station, share stories and reminisce. The Municipality of Greenstone would like to thank all who attended, the Greenstone Volunteer Fire Department, the Marino family and we extend a profound thank you to Chereyl, Angie, and Kyla for sharing John with the community for many years.