by Greg Lincoln
The Bethel Fire Department has a new fire engine to join in the fight to save lives during fires and other emergencies and last Saturday the community came to celebrate Engine-5 with a blessing dedication and wetdown ceremony.
Families with their children and folks of all ages came to the event at the Bethel Fire Station.
Special speakers included Fire Chief Daron Solesbee, City of Bethel council members Rose Sugar Henderson and Mary Beth Hessler, and Fire Chaplain Bruce Claypool who gave the blessing. Also gathered were members and volunteers of the Bethel Fire Department who stood by their Chief during the speeches.
“It is a very important piece of equipment for our community,” said Fire Chief Solesbee during his welcoming address. “We’ve updated our fleet to better serve the community… it is a testament to our unity and our strength as a team.
“With this engine we honor the brave men and women who’ve worn our uniform and the heroes who stand next to us today.
“Now as we prepare to push back Engine-5 into service, let’s remember that we do so with the trust and confidence of our community. We stand shoulder to shoulder, ready to respond to any calls, ready to protect lives and property.
“We are here to serve.”
The fire department holds a special place in her heart, said council member Rose Henderson.
“The fire department really means a lot to me,” she said. “As some of you might now, my dad was the fire chief back in the 70s. I was very honored when Chief Solesbee asked me to say a few words.”
She praised Bethel’s firefighters and expressed her gratitude for the new engine.
“Engine-5 represents not only a new chapter in our firefighting history, but also a promise. A promise to protect and serve our community… We are honoring the dedication, bravery, and unwavering commitment of our firefighters and the collective effort to ensure the safety of our beloved community.”
Engine-5 was given a ceremonial wetdown, a time honored tradition for new fire engines when they begin their service of protecting their residents. The community was also invited to help push back Engine-5 into the station, which is another custom for new engines.
Afterwards, everyone was welcomed to socialize and enjoy some hot dogs, chips, and lemonade with the fire department staff in conclusion of the ceremony.
