By: Edir Coronado
On Saturday July 23rd, with a heat wave advisory in effect, droves of people came out to Scotch Plains to partake in a ceremonious wet down dedicating a new fire truck to be used to help keep the town safe.
In celebration of the newly acquired fire truck, fire departments from around New Jersey revved up their engines to partake in the festivities. Several fire hoses were charged up and people of all ages were splashed with cool water, a refreshing touch on a scorching hot day.
The fun didn’t stop there, patrons had the opportunity to listen to a live band and enjoy tasty burgers courtesy of the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad. There were games and a bouncy house for the kids to enjoy.
Scotch Plains residents also had the opportunity to pay tribute to fellow community member and fallen Fire Fighter Rick Villafrade. Michelle Bowman, a Captain at the Scotch Plains Fire Department, and Fire Fighter Racine Borde, set up a high striker game in order to raise money for the family of Villafrade, who passed away last September.
In addition to the high striker game, retired Scotch Plains Police Sergeant Ernie Hernandez donated an American Flag made up of old fire hoses which attendees could win by purchasing raffle tickets. Hernandez saw the flags being made one day and decided to start creating flags himself, one of which he donated to the Scotch Plains Fire Department. The flag made for the raffle is currently the largest he has ever made. Hernandez explained that to make the flag he has to nail the hoses into plywood and then adds a finishing touch with paint. The process took him 3 to 4 days to complete.
All proceeds earned from the raffle and high striker games went directly to the Villafrade family.
The Scotch Plains Fire Department is operated by fire Chief Jonathan Ellis and 32 volunteers, performing its duties from two station houses. The wet down was an opportunity to not only celebrate the new apparatus, but also to give the public an opportunity to interact with those members of the community who risk their lives to keep the town safe.
(above) Scotch Plains Police Sergeant Ernie Hernandez in front of the flag he created with old fire hoses.
(above) Scotch Plains Police Sergeant Ernie Hernandez in front of the flag he created with old fire hoses.
To see more pictures of this event visit Scotch Plains Wetdown 2016
