It wasn’t sirens or flashing lights that marked the arrival of El Dorado Hills Fire Department’s newest engine—but a team of firefighters and community members rolling up their sleeves for a hands-on welcome steeped in tradition.
On Tuesday morning, the department officially placed its new Engine 91 into service at Station 91 in Latrobe with a ceremonial “push-in,” a custom that dates back to the days of horse-drawn fire wagons. Together, the crew and attendees physically pushed the gleaming new rig into the station bay, symbolizing the start of its service.
Fire Chief Mike Lilienthal and department staff led the ceremony, which also included a water transfer from the outgoing Engine 91 to the new unit—a symbolic gesture representing the continuity of duty and service.
The 2025 Pierce Type 1 pumper is the first in the department’s fleet to feature a grey-over-red paint scheme. Built with both structure and wildland response in mind, the engine carries a 500-gallon water tank and offers “pump and roll” capabilities, enabling firefighters to operate the pump while the vehicle is in motion during brush fires.
Engine 91 also includes advanced life support medical gear, rope rescue equipment, and auto extrication tools—making it a versatile resource for a wide range of emergency calls across El Dorado Hills, Latrobe, and other surrounding areas of El Dorado County.
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