Lake Valley Fire holding Wet Down Ceremony for new engine

The Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) welcomes into service a new 2022 Rosenbauer Commander apparatus during a wet-down ceremony on Monday, August 29 at 10 a.m. at Fire Station 7. The public is invited to attend. Donuts, coffee, and refreshments will be provided.

A wet-down ceremony is a tradition celebrated by fire departments to commission new fire apparatus by anointing it with water sprayed from the retiring fire engine. The ritual dates back to the late 1800s when newly commissioned horses would be washed along with the pumper at their assigned firehouse and then backed into the firehouse bay.

“We are excited to mark our 75th year with the purchase of a new fire engine and would like the community to understand the value and improved service delivered with this new equipment,” said Interim Fire Chief Chad Stephen.

The new 2022 Rosenbauer Commander is the first of its kind in the fleet. The new apparatus, designated Engine 7, has a 600 horsepower Cummins diesel motor and an Allison 4500 six-speed transmission on a Marmon Harrington 4x4 chassis. The engine holds 750 gallons of water and is capable of pumping over 1500 gallons per minute. To reduce the cancer risk to firefighters, Rosenbauer developed a clean air cab and installed an in-cab recirculation air scrubber.

During the ceremony, LVFPD will be retiring their 1997 HME fire apparatus that until last week provided first out response for the fire district. The HME served for 25 years as Engine 7, Engine 6, and later Engine 5, the LVFPD reserve. The HME responded to hundreds of fires in its history including the Angora Fire and most recently the Caldor Fire. The HME has been one of
the longest-serving and most dependable fire engines in their 75 years of history.

“We’re very excited to introduce the 2022 Rosenbauer Commander to the Lake Valley Fire Protection District. It brings the right mix of advantages and capabilities for our ever-changing community and environment, said Fleet Manager and Fire Mechanic Andrew Sessions.”

Station 7 is located at 2211 Keetak St. in Meyers.