CFD welcomes new engine for Station 6
The Columbus Fire Department celebrated the arrival of the citys new fire engine with a traditional wet-down ceremony Monday evening at Station 6 in Walesboro. Around 50 people turned out for the festivities.
CFD officials say this is a tradition goes back to the era when fire pumpers were powered by hand and pulled by horses. Following a fire, the horses would be separated from the pumper cart and both horse and pumper would be washed by the firefighters. After this ?bath?, the pumper would be pushed into the station ready for the next fire. You are invited to take part in the celebration.
The replacement apparatus is a custom Quint manufactured by E-One. The new engine will carry up to four firefighters and has been outfitted with a full complement of firefighting gear as well as Advanced Life Support medical and trauma equipment. The City of Columbus purchased the engine for $ 847,000.
The apparatus that has been serving as Engine 6 was purchased by the city in 1998. Capt. Mike Wilson, CFD spokesman, says this vehicle will be reassigned to the reserve fleet and utilized as a backup emergency response vehicle.