Gulf Shores dedicates two new fire trucks

By Melanie LeCroy
Posted 9/11/19

Gulf Shores Fire Department dedicated two new fire trucks into service Sept. 3.

Mayor Robert Craft, Fire Chief Hartly Brokenshaw, City Administrator Steve Griffin and Councilman Steve Jones, …

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Gulf Shores dedicates two new fire trucks

Posted

Gulf Shores Fire Department dedicated two new fire trucks into service Sept. 3.

Mayor Robert Craft, Fire Chief Hartly Brokenshaw, City Administrator Steve Griffin and Councilman Steve Jones, Gary Sinak, Joe Garris and Jason Dyken took part in a ceremonial wet down.

The evolution of the wet down celebration is unclear, but according to Fireengineering.com, the tradition is believed to have originated in the era of hand pumpers. Rival engine companies would fill the reservoir of the new engine and the water would flood over the sides. It is perhaps this "washing" from which the "wet down" has evolved.

No rival fire companies arrived to help, so the water buckets had to suffice.

After the ceremony, the fire trucks were opened for the crowd to look over and explore. The fireman wasted no time loading the new vehicles with gear and getting them ready to serve the city.