The push is on…
On Tuesday, April 10, the north fire station held a “Wet Down” ceremony that dates back to the late 1800s, when they gathered to ‘wet down’ Fire Engine 1. At the end of the ceremony, all the firefighters at the station gathered to push the engine back into its rightful home to wait until duty calls. Full story and more photos inside.
By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
On Tuesday, April 10, the Independent was invited to the north fire station to witness a ritual that dates back to the late 1800s.
The long-standing tradition is called a “Wet Down” and is celebrated at fire stations throughout the United States. It serves to dedicate a new piece of fire equipment by anointing it with water sprayed by the firefighters and other members of the community.
The history of the ceremony began when pumpers were horse-drawn. When new horses or pumpers were purchased, neighboring firehouses, Department Chiefs and citizens from the area community came out to celebrate the new addition. Local clergy came to bestow blessings upon the horse by throwing holy water onto it to “protect” it and give it long life, strength, speed and good health. The blessings are believed to ward off evil spirit or “gremlins” that could affect the new addition to the firehouse.
After a welcome from Elmhurst Fire Chief Thomas Freeman, Deputy Chief William Anaszewicz talked about the timeline of the ceremony. After that, Father Jason Stone offered a blessing and a prayer. Then the “wet down” began as the many firefighters in attendance each took a turn spraying down the engine.
The ceremony concluded with all the firefighters working together to push the engine back into the garage where it belongs until duty calls. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed refreshments including a cake adorned with a photo of Engine 1.
