Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
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Kennett Fire Company houses new truck
Members of the Kennett Fire Company and their supporters pulled out all the stops on Saturday to celebrate the housing of their new truck.
The huge vehicle cost more than $1 million and has a 95foot tower that can reach any structure in the borough. Like all new fire company vehicles, its arrival was greeted with elation.
Early on Saturday morning, companies from all over the region brought their special vehicles, including antiques, for a friendly judging. But the significant and more exciting event came shortly after lunchtime when several hundred firefighters and friends showed up for what is almost a religious sacrament called the “housing.”
And true to the spirit of the event that included refreshments, music, a master of ceremonies and a whole lot of siren-whaling, two local clergymen were there to invoke divine providence.
Father Chris Rogers, wearing festival garb of Catholic clergy, thanked God for the beautiful and happy day. He said, “The Lord comes to aid of people. ...has sent men and women to extend you loving care.”
He said thanks for doing the same with the firefighters. “Bless the entire system, and bless all who use it.”
The company chaplain, Carlos Navarro, gave his blessing in Spanish and English. He thanked God for “those who serve regardless of time and circumstances.” He also said the company serves the entire community that extends “beyond religion and color.”
Chief Chris Plumley thanked everyone who had been part of the fire company and obtaining the fire truck. He said, “I’ve never seen the station look so beautiful.”
Former mayor-borough council president Leon Spencer was the master of ceremonies. He stressed the importance of the many people who serve the community, especially the volunteers who go out as soon as the pager goes off anytime around the clock.
He said he and his wife have a tradition of saying a prayer for the firefighters anytime they hear the whistle blow.
Spencer also explained what a fire truck housing is and how it got started.
He said it began in the 1880s when fire trucks were horse-drawn. When the truck returned from a fire, the firefighters had to push it back into the bay because the horses could not walk backward.
Another ceremony was the “wash down” when the horses and pumpers were washed down and readied for the next emergency.
In the case of the Saturday ceremony, the housing involved three vehicles: the ambulance, another Truck 24 and the new truck. It was done three times, to recognize God, the country and the Kennett Fire Company.
Each time, different teams of participants stood behind the vehicles and symbolically pushed them into the bay (although they were being helped by drivers and engines in reverse).
The Kennett Fire Company serves Kennett Township as well as Kennett Square. But it was noted that the very tall tower truck could be call upon for help all over the region.
Visiting firefighters came from as far away was Delaware and Lancaster counties as well as areas of Maryland. The West Grove Fire Company provided standby overnight so the Kennett members could hold an extended celebration.