New Fire Engine Hosed in Ceremonial Soaker

With the help of neighboring fire departments, the Amagansett Fire Department's new fire engine got a ceremonial wetdown on Saturday.

The Pierce Arrow XT chassis — Amagansett's 9-2-2 —with a full complement of fire fighting equipment was delivered at the end of the December, but the department waited for warmer weather before the ritual.

Bill Beckert, the captain of Company 2, said the truck has 3,000 feet of four-inch hose, somewhat unique, but quite necessary. "It's the East End. We don't have hydrants on every corner," Beckert said.

"It's a tradition of the neighboring fire departments and companies to welcome a new piece of apparatus," Beckert said. The Rev. Steve Howarth, pastor at the First Presbyterian Church of Amagansett who is also a member of the fire department, conducted a short service to bless the truck, before the ceremonial champagne was tossed. ceremony - blessed - service - ceremonial champagne 

The Springs Fire Department brought an engine, Montauk and East Hampton fire departments brought aerial trucks, and Sag Harbor's fire chiefs also joined in the ritual. "Everybody had a great time who was there," Beckert said.