An age-old firefighting tradition was brought to life in Folsom over the weekend as firefighters, city leaders, and community members gathered at Folsom Fire Station 35 Saturday morning to celebrate the arrival of the department’s newest engine—Ladder Truck 35.
Beneath a little offering from Mother Nature, miners of the Folsom Fire Department officially placed Truck 35 into full-time service on Saturday morning with a ceremonial “Push-In” event, a gesture that dates back to the days of horse-drawn fire wagons. In those early years, firefighters had to physically push their equipment into the station upon returning from a call. To honor that history, Folsom’s firefighters and attendees united to do the same, slowly rolling the massive new ladder truck into its new home on Glenn Drive.
Truck 35 is a Pierce 107-foot Ascendant Tiller, a modern piece of apparatus designed with cutting-edge technology and enhanced capabilities. The ladder truck features a compact design with a short wheelbase and tight turning radius, ideal for navigating Folsom’s suburban streets while offering expanded reach for rescues and firefighting in taller structures.
“This truck is going to be a game-changer for our operations,” said Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano. “It provides us with improved flexibility and ensures that we always have a ladder truck available when our community needs it most.”
Until now, the department operated with just one ladder truck, meaning crews were occasionally left without the equipment when it was out for maintenance or repair. The addition of Truck 35 marks the first time in the department’s history that it will have a reserve ladder truck on hand—something Cusano says improves both readiness and safety.
The new engine was ordered several years ago and recently completed an extensive outfitting and training phase before being placed into service. Like many departments nationwide, Folsom Fire faced significant supply chain delays due to the pandemic, which pushed back delivery timelines. Despite that, the truck now stands ready, featuring enhanced stabilization systems, smart ladder controls, and ample storage for specialized equipment.
Truck 35’s arrival is part of the department’s broader plan to upgrade its emergency response fleet. In recent weeks, the department also received a shipment of new ambulances and is anticipating a new fire engine in the coming months.
Saturday’s celebration served not only as an equipment rollout but also as a meaningful community moment, reflecting the city’s respect for its past and commitment to public safety.
Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano noted that the event represented more than just the addition of a new vehicle. It was a way to honor longstanding traditions, reinforce the city’s commitment to progress, and demonstrate the department’s dedication to always staying ready to serve the community.
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