Engine 4203 Wet Down Ceremony

Photo courtesy of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue

On April 15th, 2023 Windsor Severance Fire Rescue celebrated their new Engine 4203 into service with a traditional fire department wet-down ceremony. The new engine is a 2023 Pierce Velocity with a 1500 GPM Pierce PUC Midship pump and 750 gallon water tank with Husky foam system. The new engine also features the departments’ newer paint scheme of the dark gray over red which they started in 2021 and is the fourth unit in the fleet with the paint scheme. The tradition of a wet-down dates back to the late 1800s when fire departments used horses to pull fire wagons and pumps to fires. After fighting the fire, the crews would wash and ready the horses and the apparatus in preparation for the next call. As horses couldn’t push the pumper backwards, firefighters would unhitch the horses and would then push the horse-drawn wagon backwards into the station’s bay. Wetting down with the water from the old apparatus signifies a transfer of experience and wisdom of the old and the readiness to protect lives and property that is now bestowed upon the new. Additional information provided by Windsor Severance Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue

Photo courtesy of Windsor Severance Fire Rescue