The Morrisville (NC) Fire and Rescue Department welcomes into service a new Pierce 100-fooot Ascendant tower fire apparatus during a wet-down ceremony on Saturday, August 21 at 10 a.m. at Fire Station No. 2, according to a press release from the city of Morrisville. The public is invited to attend.
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 truck. The ritual dates back to the late 1800’s when newly commissioned horses would be washed along with the pumper at their assigned firehouse and then backed into the firehouse bay.
“I think it’s important to introduce the community to the new apparatus and ultimately they own it, so we want to ensure they understand the value and improved service they’ll receive from this piece of equipment,” said Assistant Fire Chief Nathan Lozinsky.
The new apparatus will be designated as Ladder 22 and is the first mid-mount platform in the department’s history. A mid-mount platform has an aerial ladder that raises and pivots from the middle of the apparatus. This allows firefighters the ability to position the ladder nearer to incidents in dense urban environments where operating close to surrounding structures is common. It also allows the length of the truck to be more compact without sacrificing the reach of the aerial, increasing maneuverability. In addition, the platform can be lowered to a steeper negative angle within a smaller footprint, making certain rescues easier.
The former Ladder 22, a 2008 KME 102′ Aerial Tower, will be the first of its type entered into reserve status. Lozinsky states, “This enables the department to provide consistent capabilities when another ladder apparatus has to be temporarily taken out of service – something we’ve been unable to provide to date.”
Lozinsky adds, “We’re very excited to introduce the Pierce 100′ Ascendant Tower to the citizens of Morrisville. It brings the right mix of advantages and capabilities for our growing community.”
