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Friday Harbor Fire Department news
Engine 7 is now part of Friday Harbor's history
posted 05/06/01
The history of Friday Harbor Fire Department surrounded the group of volunteer firefighters, town officials, and citizens gathered on West Street yesterday afternoon for a dedication ceremony. Engine #7, a Darley/Spartan multi-purpose fire engine was officially joining the Friday Harbor Fire Department.
The $472,000 engine has a 65-foot Telesquirt aerial. A hydraulic ladder rack, an A/B foam system, a hydraulic A/C generator, a top mount electric control panel, and a wireless remote control for the aerial are also part of the engine's features.
Fire Chief Bob Low said five years of planning went into the purchase. He said, "It had to be designed to fit into the station and to fit the town's needs." He thanked the volunteers for all of their work and dedication. "They are the meat and potatoes of the department," he said.
Other pieces of the department's equipment were on display for the occasion. The first piece of equipment, the hose cart, was bought in 1913. A 1923 Cadillac fire engine, purchased used for $101.43, was also on display.
The department has purchased five new engines in its 88-year history. Engine #1, a 1953 Ford, is retired and used for parades. Engine #2, a 1962 Ford was sold in 1988 to Vantage, Washington. Engine #5, a 1975 Pierce, was sold in 1992 to Orcas Island Fire Department.
Engine #6, a 1988 FMC, is used as the first-response engine. Former Fire Chief Frank Miner and his wife Shirley drove the engine to the island from Orlando, Florida in February, 1988. They remember motel clerks looking alarmed as they pulled in.
Engine #7, arrived in Friday Harbor Nov. 7, 2000. It has been used in several incidents, including the storage unit fire last week.
Nate Benedict of St. Francis Catholic Church blessed the new engine. He told the crowd, "I ask that God not let this park in front of your house."
A color guard from American Camp presented a flag to the fire department. Volunteer firefighter Tom Eades climbed the aerial ladder and unfurled the flag.
Nila Davis, Mayor Gary Boothman's mother-in-law, christened the engine with a bottle of champagne. She broke the bottle against an axe held in place by a well-protected firefighter.
Before and after the official ceremony, Engines #6 and #7 were available for people to climb in. One toddler aboard Engine #6 was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. Surrounded by the shiny engine, he responded, "I want to be a travel agent."
Sharon Kivisto
and
Matt Pranger
can be reached:
phone:
360.378.3748
fax:
360.378.9748
by e-mail:
news@sanjuanislander.com
by mail:
San Juan Islander
PO Box 1118
Friday Harbor, WA 98250 USA