Chief Neil McPherson is pleased to share that the Wayland (MA) Fire Department unveiled its brand-new truck, Engine 2, at a “wet-down” commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, according to a news release from the department.
In accordance with a long-standing fire service tradition in the United States, the Wayland Fire Department welcomed its newest engine into service with a ceremonial wet-down at Wayland Fire Headquarters, 38 Cochituate Road, on Wednesday, Aug. 10.
The new engine, a 2021 Pierce pumper, replaces a 1997 pumper.
The new engine features modern and updated technology, including airbag and rollover protection, reduced emissions, emergency LED lighting, and an onboard foam system to aid in fire suppression. Funding for the apparatus was allocated from the Town’s FY 2021 capital budget.
Chief McPherson and members of the Wayland Fire Department were joined by Select Board Chairman Cherry Karlson and Department Chaplain Rev. David O’Leary to see Engine 2 officially put into service.
A symbolic passing of the torch commenced at the ceremony when Lt. Ken McGuire used the now-out-of-service engine’s hose to spray the new Engine 2.
Firefighters then placed their hands on Engine 2 and helped to push it into the apparatus bay while Lt. Dean Casali reversed it into place. Once in the bay, members of the department and ceremony attendees used towels to dry the truck.
Chief McPherson, Select Board Chair Karlson, Assistant Chief Rich Ripley and Captain Robert Dorey also spoke at the ceremony. The ceremony concluded with a prayer by Chaplain Rev. O’Leary.
The Wayland Fire Department wishes to thank the Truck Selection committee for their critical role in acquiring this apparatus. Their duties included developing initial specifications for the truck prior to purchase, as well as mounting and installing equipment to prepare the vehicle for service.
“I want to extend a sincere thanks to the Town for their support in helping us to acquire this engine. Without the Town’s support and the diligence of the Truck Selection Committee, adding this state-of-the-art engine to our fleet would not have been possible,” Chief McPherson said. “Having this new pumper increases the safety of our personnel and allows us to potentially operate more effectively at emergency calls, which makes all of their hard work worth it.”
The wet-down ritual dates back to the late 1800s, when horse-drawn pumpers were used throughout the fire service. Back then, newly commissioned horses would be washed alongside their pumpers at the fire house before being pushed back into the fire house bay by firefighters. While horse-drawn pumpers are now a relic of the past, the tradition continues today as fire departments welcome their new apparatus and officially induct them into service.