The mood at the firehouse on Saturday certainly was celebratory, with dozens of fire fighters and hundreds of community members all gathered to see the christening of Engine 2, the brand spanking new apparatus at the firehouse.  Engine 2, a 2016 Pierce Velocity, top mounted pump, can pump 2000 gallons per minute and it holds 750 gallons of water. It will serve as the “first due” engine for all fire suppression related incidents.  

“It’s a real community event,” said Swanton, a 37-year member of the all-volunteer firehouse, “the community bought us this fire engine. We’d like them to come out and see what they bought us and show our appreciation.” Throughout the rest of the day and evening, different towns sent their fire trucks to spray the new engine to welcome it into the community. There was a DJ, a 50/50 raffle, a bouncy house and beer, soda and food, all compliments of the Fire Department.

Though Ashburner said she sustained some bumps and bruises, San Francisco Fire Department spokesman Lt. Jonathan Baxter said no one needed to be hospitalized.

The fire truck had minor damage from the “fender-bender,” and it did not need to be taken out of service for repairs, Baxter said.

The corner of the bike rack attached to the front of the bus hit the back of the truck, Rose said. The bus itself was not damaged.

On Thursday, City Council intervened to allow the use of the truck, which had been denied by three members of city staff.

That it almost didn’t happen angered City Councilmember Matt Martin, who said the city “absolutely” should honor the request for a fallen first responder or respected community member.

The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office always is 100 percent willing to work with the city, Martin said.

Wong was participating in a training exercise at 348 S. Main Street near Hotel Barclay on Saturday when he fell off the ladder shortly before 9:45 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition immediately following the incident.

Wong died early Monday, according to the Fire Department.