CAPE MAY POINT — Cape May Point Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 dedicated and housed a new, 2009 KME fire engine Saturday, Oct. 25.
On an otherwise gray morning with intermittent rain showers, the sun appeared at noon to illuminate the entire ceremony allowing the new pumper’s stainless steel trim to shine brightly.
The new truck is painted in Cape May Point’s traditional blue and white colors. It’s predecessor, a 1975 Ford Bruco pumper was driven out of the firehouse. That truck is listed for sale on Govdeals.com
Personnel and fire trucks from Goshen, Middle Township, West Wildwood, Wildwood, Town Bank Rescue, Rio Grande, Erma and Cape May participated in a parade around the borough with new fire engine 5830 in the lead.
In a tradition that dates back to horse-drawn fire wagons, fire personnel and residents pushed the new pumper backwards into the firehouse.
Deputy Fire Chief Bill Gibson told the Herald the new truck has a 2,000-gallon per minute pump and a 1,000-gallon water tank. It is powered by a 400 horsepower Caterpillar diesel engine.
Father Ted Cassady, of the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, blessed the new fire engine with holy water.
Mayor Carl Schupp said the new truck cost over $400,000. He said he was happy the volunteer fire company would make the first year’s payments.
Cape May Point Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Chief Robert Shepanski said the extended, four-man cab made the new fire engine especially suitable for use in the borough.
Fire Company President Tom Larkin thanked Deputy Chief Gibson for his hard work in obtaining the new fire apparatus.
A group photo was taken of fire company members in their dress uniforms.
Following the ceremony, lunch was served.
.
