Traditional “Wet Down” Ceremony Held For East Granby’s New Fire Tanker

The East Granby Volunteer Fire Department and Town Residents celebrated the newest addition to East Granby’s fire safety vehicles.  On February 7, 2014 approximately 100 firemen, residents and fire officials from neighboring towns gathered at East Granby’s Fire Station #1 to dedicate its brand new tanker in a traditional “wet down” ceremony.  As visitors parked and walked by the fire station they were greeted by a huge American Flag held up by a Ladder Truck.  Inside the station, Chief Don Zessin made opening comments introducing invited guests and gave a brief description of the vehicle and thanked the fire fighters who served on the tanker committee.  First Selectman Jim Hayden thanked the taxpayers and residents for their support of the $341,000 vehicle.  He also thanked the chief, his officers and members of the Fire Department for doing the research and legwork so that the Town could purchase this “state of the art” tanker.  Hayden said that “the new tanker replaces a forty year old vehicle that no longer is up to current firefighter standards and specifications.  Without the support of the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and most importantly of all, the taxpayers, this truck would not be possible.”  The tanker is crucial to the town since 70% of the town does not have city water or fire hydrants. Pastor Kelvin Jones from the East Granby Copper Hill Methodist Church dedicated the tanker.  After the brief ceremony, refreshments were served by firefighters.