Sycamore Fire Department celebrates new engine

With the help of current and retired firefighters, as well as community members, the Sycamore Fire Department welcomed its brand-new fire engine with a special “wet-down” ceremony under hot, sunny skies Saturday morning.

The traditional ceremony, which dates back to the 1800s, involves the transfer of water from the old engine to the new one and a spraying from retired firefighters. Children were able to take part in the festivities by drying off the engine after it officially was christened.

“It’s like a change of command ceremony, transitioning from old to new,” Sycamore Fire Chief Peter Polarek said. “It’s important to involve the community because it’s a significant event. This doesn’t happen very often, and we haven’t done anything like this before, so we want to set a new tradition in Sycamore.”

The new engine, which will replace the old Engine No. 1, was made possible by a $405,000 federal grant the fire department received in 2014. The city of Sycamore chipped in a small amount to cover the difference between the grant and the cost of the engine.

Polarek said the new engine, which took just about a year to build, was necessary because the old 1979 Mack engine was past its service life.

“There are lots of improvements and safety upgrades, which are significant,” Polarek said. “Everybody is very excited about the new engine and the capabilities that come with it.”

Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy said the department and city were “blessed” with the grant because it saved the taxpayers a lot of money.

“The ’79 Mack served us well, but this is an opportunity to provide a state-of-the-art engine with new technology, and that’s a wonderful thing for the city,” he said.

Sycamore fireman Dave Van Dusen was excited about the new engine. He said while he hasn’t been on it yet, he’s looking forward to having LED lighting, more space and improved technology while on the job.

“It means reliable service, and it puts us on par with other fire departments,” he said. “There are a lot of additional safety features, and everything will just be more secure.”

Whitney Wheeler’s husband is a firefighter, and she’s happy the new engine will keep the firefighters safer while doing their jobs.

“I know the guys are very excited to have new equipment to keep up with the times. My husband has talked a lot about the process, and they’re just happy to have the latest technology,” she said.

Lt. Tal Hickey described the new engine as “progress” for the department. He said firefighters used to ride in open cabs, and the new engine will allow the firefighters to be safely buckled inside the cab.

“It’s always exciting to get new equipment, and we feel safer and have confidence in the engine,” he said.” We’re pleased the community has shown up to show their support and excitement for the department.”

Toni and Ron Mack of Sycamore don’t have any relatives in the department, but they wanted to come out and show their support and respect for the fire department.

“We appreciate the good work they do, and we feel safe and comfortable knowing they’re on duty,” Ron Mack said.

Toni Mack, who has never seen a wet-down ceremony, said she comes from a family of firefighters, so she wanted to experience one.

“I grew up looking at my uncles’ boots in the closet, so the memories come back, and it makes me think of my family. The ceremony was done very well, in fireman style,” she said.

Illinois Rep. Randy Hultgren, 14th District, also was on hand to show his support for the fire department. He said it’s important to celebrate new technology that keeps the public safer.

“I’m very grateful for their service and the safety we enjoy,” he said.”Communities are growing, and we see how devastating fires can be, so if there’s anything that can save lives, it’s worth it.”

Polarek said the new engine still needs a few tweaks, but it should be ready to be put into service in a week or two.