Spencer “initiates” new fire engine
Published 12:07 am Tuesday, March 11, 2025
The brand new Engine 1 in Spencer sparkles in the sun prior to the was down and push back ceremony Saturday. Elisabeth Strillacci photo
Spencer Fire Chief Michael Lanning and his wife Kristin lend a hand to their daughter, Harper, as they all joined in the wet down ceremony for Spencer’s new Engine 1 Saturday. Photo by Elisabeth Strillacci
Charlotte Williams, 5, was very serious taking up the fire hose to christen Engine 1, the new truck of the Spencer fire department, during the wet down ceremony. Photo by Elisabeth Strillacci
By Elisabeth Strillacci
SPENCER — The fire service has always been steeped in tradition, and this past weekend, the residents of Spencer were invited to participate in one of the longest standing when the Spencer fire department brought a new fire engine into service.
The wash down and push back ceremonies have been in existence since the 1800s, when fire trucks were horse drawn. When the engines returned to the fire house, members of the community would remove the horses from harness and some would take them to be cared for, while others would wash down the engine. Then, because the engine was not self propelled, residents and firefighters would manually push the engine back into the fire house.
Over time, engines became motorized, but the traditions remained, taking on the weight of good luck.
On Saturday, March 8, the new truck, Engine #1, was officially washed down then pushed back into the fire house. Fire Chief Michael Lanning thanked everyone who attended the ceremony.
“It means a lot to me to have this truck here, to wet it down and push it into service, but to have all of you here as well,” he said. “This truck reflects the dedication, hard work and spirit our department displays daily. It represents the progress we have made in resources for our community and will enhance our response time in reaching those in need. It’s not just a truck, but a symbol of the lives it will save and the additional safety it will bring to our residents. ”
Lanning added that the wet down is also essentially a christening of the truck, acknowledging its first use.
This truck embodies the generosity of our community and leaders in helping put safety first.
“To my staff here today, I want to express my true gratitude. Your bravery and selflessness motivate me daily,” added Lanning.
All in attendance were given an opportunity to grab the fire hose and spray the side of the new truck, from retired firefighters to adults, including members of the board of aldermen, to children, the youngest of whom took up the hose was five-year-old Charlotte, daughter of the town’s Mayor, Jonathan Williams.
