Riverhead Fire Department roll out new vehicles for wet-down tradition
The Riverhead Fire Department on Saturday blessed its new engine and four-wheel drive Brush Response Attack Truck — driving them around for a traditional wet-down from six hamlets across the East End.
“Every time we get new equipment, we want to bless it and drive it through as a tradition, to wish it good luck in the future,” said Riverehead Fire Department Chief Piotr Kurzyna.
The new Ferrara pumper, designated Engine 6-2-14, has a 750-gallon water tank. The department’s BRAT, or Brush Response Attack Truck 6-2-8, is built on a Ford F-550 four-wheel-drive chassis and can tow a boat.
“So far, it’s been awesome. Even pulling the boat onto the beach had been a big help — it’s something we’ve never had before.”
The six local fire departments that took part in the tradition were Wading River, Cutchogue, Jamesport, Flanders, Ridge and Hampton Bays.
“With this new equipment, we can continue protecting lives and making things a little easier for our members when responding to emergencies,” Mr. Kurzyna said. “We’re looking forward to putting it to use to protect everybody in Riverhead. We want to thank the commissioners and everybody else who helped make this happen. They do a phenomenal job of getting everything done for us. We wish everybody the best of luck, and thank you to everybody who came out.”
Photos by Nick Mongiovi
