NEDERLAND — The Nederland Fire Department welcomed their new truck to the lineup with a “Wet Down” on Friday.

Fire trucks from Port Neches and Groves participated in the tradition of soaking the new truck, which dates back to when fire trucks were made of wood.

Per tradition, neighboring departments soak the new truck to test it for leaks. While the trucks are no longer made of wood, the tradition continues.

Nederland Fire Chief Terry Morton said he is happy to have the new addition.

“This was an initiation of the new kid on the block,” Morton said.

The City Council approved the purchase of the $732,000 truck last year. In 2015, Phillips 66 donated $100,000 to the fire department to purchase a new truck. Nederland City Manager Chris Duque said $500,000 of the purchase came from the general fund, while the rest came from excess sales tax.

The new truck replaces a 2001 pumper, which will go into reserve service. A 1991 model truck will go from reserve status and be donated to Lamar Institute of Technology.

The truck came down Boston Avenue with Mayor Don Albanese in the passenger seat. After getting sprayed down, those in attendance were allowed to look inside and wipe down the soaked truck.

The new color scheme for the new truck is a departure from what Nederland residents are accustomed to seeing. Firefighters voted to give the truck a more traditional paint job of red and black.

“I saw the pictures when it was being worked on in Wisconsin,” Morton said. “The pictures don’t do it justice.”

 

See also: Morton named Nederland fire chief