City Celebrates New Fire Engine

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Earlier today, Fire Chief Robert Rocha was joined by Mayor Joe McComb and Council Members to celebrate the arrival of Engine 18. The new fire apparatus was officially put into service during a dedication ceremony called a wet down. 

The “wet down” is a tradition that dates back to the 1800’s, when fire pumpers were horse-driven and the equipment was powered by hand. Following a fire, the horses would be separated from the pumper cart, and both the horses and pumper would be washed and dried, to be ready for the next fire.  

Today, fire crews wet down the new rig and City officials dried it off and then checked out the amenities. The re-creation signifies placing the new engine into service.

Fire Engine 18 - FACT SHEET 1