It was a proud day for Tipp City Fire Chief Steve Kessler and his firefighters as a new $950,000 ladder truck was dedicated at the fire station during a well attended Saturday morning ceremony.

The ladder truck replaces a 1975 aerial truck that no longer meets the safety standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for firefighter safety.

The truck has a 100 foot ladder and can pump 2,000 gallons of water per minute.

The aerial was purchased with funds from the city's recently passed street and safety levy.

The history of the Tipp City Volunteer  Fire Deparment dates back to when the first fire bucket brigade was organized in 1872, consisiting of fifty leather buckets, 6 hooks and ladders and six fire extinguishers. They have come a long ways in 131 years. The community must be proud!