Riverhead Fire Department commissions three new vehicles

The Riverhead Fire Department commissioned three new vehicles today during a traditional wet-down ceremony at department headquarters. 

“The Board of Fire Commissioners is really happy to turn over possession to the chief a new pumper for Eagle Hose Company No. 4, a new mini-pumper for Reliable Hose and Engine Company No. 1 and a new chief’s vehicle,” Commissioner Ed Carey said.

“The town is growing by leaps and bounds and we’re trying to keep up for good fire protection, as always,” Carey said.

The pumper is replacing a truck that was about 24 years old, Carey said. 

The mini-pumper is a versatile apparatus that allows the department to respond to certain types of calls with smaller crews and can reach places that the pumper can’t reach. It’s great for putting out the small brush fires that erupt in the mulched landscapes of commercial properties, Fire Chief Pete Kurzyna said. It will be useful for fighting fires in solar farms, the chief said. The mini pumper can also drive on the beach to put out fires on the bluffs, he said, and it can also pull a boat on the beach for water rescues. 

A wet-down is a longstanding fire service ritual, dating back to the 1800s, when pumpers were pulled by horses. At a traditional commissioning ceremony, local clergymen blessed the new horse with holy water and prayers for speed, strength, good health and a long life.

Trucks from neighboring fire departments —Flanders, Jamesport,  Ridge,  Wading River and East Moriches — attended today’s commissioning ceremony to wet down the new apparatus. Riverhead Fire Department Chaplain Justin Winter blessed the new vehicles and offered prayers.

The captain of each of the companies christened the new apparatus by breaking a bottle of champagne on their bumpers. Eagle Capt. Harrison Dow did the honors for 6-2-14, the new pumper. Reliable Capt. Christian Saterfiel did the honors for 6-2-8, the new mini-pumper.