TFACA Honors Past, Plans for Future with Push-In Ceremony for New $1.97M Tower One Fire Truck

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) proudly announce that the $1.97 million ladder truck Tower One officially began its service after a ceremonial “push-in" event on Monday, May 11, 2026 at the Tennessee Fire Services and Codes Enforcement Academy (TFACA) in Bell Buckle. 

The symbolic “push-in” ceremony dates back to the earliest days of the fire service when crews would return to their stations from fire calls on horse-drawn equipment that required firefighters to manually push the engines into their fire station’s bays in preparation for future fire calls.  

At TFACA, TDCI leaders, staff, and guests gathered to push Tower One into place at the academy’s fire station. The state-of-the-art truck has a 95-foot ladder topped by an aerial platform and the ability to pump 2,000 gallons of water a minute. It is most current technology available in modern fire service design. 

“The push-in ceremony for Tower One symbolically honors the legacy of the fire service’s distant past while positioning Tennessee as a leader in the nation for the training of future firefighter and emergency responders,” said TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence.  “I want to thank Governor Lee and the General Assembly for approving the funding that helped purchase this equipment in order to help train the firefighters who keep Tennessee safe.” 

The arrival of Tower One represents the latest in years of fiscally conscious upgrades at TFACA. Originally opened in 2002 on 330 acres in Bedford County, TFACA’s campus (which included dormitories, a fire-training tower and cafeteria) was expanded in 2020 as part of a $20 million project that added a new conference center, auditorium, and classroom space. In December 2025, a new $1.25 million residential burn building was opened in order to provide firefighter cadets with additional fire training simulations.

“Tower One’s arrival strengthens our training curriculum, enhances cadets’ hands-on experience, and gives cadets real-world experience with equipment they will encounter in the field,” said TFACA Executive Director Jason Sparks. “Tower One represents another step forward for progress, preparedness, and shows TFACA’s ongoing commitment to serving Tennessee communities with excellence.”  

To see additional photos and video, visit TDCI’s social media channels.

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