The ceremony will give residents an opportunity to help firefighters prepare the new fire engines for service by washing them and pushing them into the station. Firefighters will be on hand at the ceremony to answer questions and give tours of the station and fire equipment. Refreshments will be provided following the ceremony at Station 61.
The ceremony is a traditional event known as a “wetdown” that dates back to the era when fire pumpers were horse-driven and powered by hand. Following a fire the horses would be separated from the pumper cart and both horse and pumper would be washed by the firefighters. The pumper would then be pushed into the station ready for the next fire. Today a recreation of this event signifies placing a new apparatus into service.
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