And honoring another decades-old custom, civic leaders and firefighting fans of all ages used souvenir towels to wipe the engine dry after it was hosed down.

“It pays tribute to our history,” Fire Chief Brian J. Riley said. “It’s because the fire department is very traditional in a lot of the things they do.”

The housing ceremony is a tradition that stems from the days when fire departments used hand-drawn and horse-drawn equipment. Since horses could not easily push the equipment into the stations after fire calls, firefighters had to back the gear in.

The horses were washed down after returning from a call and backed into their stalls until the next alarm.

The latest fleet addition, which was approved by the City Council following a request by Riley, is a 2016 Pierce Fire Engine.

Lt. Chad Cousino told 7 Action News a drunk driver plowed into the back of the fire engine at a high rate of speed, injuring the fire fighters and causing extensive damage to the fire rig. 

It’s unknown if the rig will be able to be repaired. The cost for a new fire engine can cost up to $500,000. However, officials say the cost will be covered by insurance and the deductible has been waived because the accident wasn't the fire department's fault.

Taylor police continue to investigate the accident.

Distracted drivers are putting first responders lives in danger by failing to obey Michigan’s Emergency Vehicle Caution law, known as the “move over law.” 

The fire was spotted at the Wampum Volunteer Fire Department by the assistant chief as he was driving by the station.

“He was coming down Main Street and seen it,” said Chief Charles Kelly, Jr. “When he got here he was able to get the truck out of the garage, one of the trucks out of the garage, and we were able to start attacking the fire.”

The damage was mostly contained to the garage with a brush truck and two quads destroyed.

“It’s kind of pointing to a vehicle that might have shorted out, caught on fire or something,” Kelly said. “When we got here there were two vehicles on fire in the building. The fire marshal will be able to tell us more when he gets here in the morning.”