BY SUSAN MCTIGUE
PASCACK PRESS CORRESPONDENT
Under perfect summer skies on Saturday, July 15, the 44 members of the River Vale Fire Department hosted a wet down for the new Pierce Velocity truck, Engine 57.
Area residents were treated to the arrival of numerous firetrucks from other towns as they cheered on the ensuing wet down of the newest addition. Children frolicked in the water spray, dogs had a steady supply of cold drinking water and adults enjoyed live music by The Elevators, along with complimentary hamburgers, hot dogs and cold drinks.
Kellie Goodell, the River Vale fire chief who has been a company volunteer for the last 18 years, explained that the department received Engine 57 in May and donated their old 1981 truck to the fire department in New Ashford, Mass. The federal agency for surplus property linked the two communities. Jim Hanna, a River Vale volunteer, contacted Frank M. Speth III, a volunteer in New Ashford, and the deal was made.
Speth came to the wet down and said that his small community of 400 residents was thrilled to have the truck, which has had its medical equipment upgraded since most of their calls are health-related.
Hanna recalled that the old truck had responded to the 2007 Weyerhaeuser Paper Co. fire in Closter in 2007 and stayed at the site pumping water for 18 hours.
Another visitor to the celebration was Jon Johnston, who served as a River Vale fire department volunteer for 13 years. When he moved to Washingtonville, N.Y., he joined that squad and returned for the wet down, bringing along his colleagues and their fire engine.
This wet down, like others held over the years in communities across the region, shines a light on the critical role played by local volunteers. Countless hours and effort are offered selflessly and make life in suburban New Jersey safer and more secure.
Photos by Susan McTigue