PHOTO GALLERY — Port Neches firefighters, guests welcome new engine
Published 12:33 am Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Tommy Wells with Energy Transfer, third from left, helps Lincoln Stone, right, dry off the new fire engine as firefighter Spencer Singleton looks on during a special ceremony at Port Neches Fire Department Tuesday. (Mary Meaux/The News)
Visitors and firefighters are seen at the ceremony. (Mary Meaux/The News)
The scene Tuesday outside Port Neches Fire Department following a ceremony to received a new engine. (Mary Meaux/The News)
Groves Fire Chief Lance Billeaud, left, looks at the new engine with Port Neches Fire Capt. Jake Monceaux. (Mary Meaux/The News)
Port Neches Fire Chief Eloy Vega dries the new fire engine. (Mary Meaux/The News)
Firefighters and friends take part in the traditional “push in” ceremony at Port Neches Fire Department. (Mary Meaux/The News)
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PORT NECHES — Using firehouse traditions, Port Neches Fire Department celebrated its newest apparatus, Engine 22 on Tuesday.
Fire Chief Eloy Vega addressed a group of guests representing local industry, local fire departments, the city and more.
First came the traditional “wet down,” where the engine was driven up to the station and was doused by water from one of their ladder trucks. This was followed by the traditional “push in,” where firefighters and friends pushed the engine into the bay.
Vega said the purchase of the engine came in at just under $750,000, and through funds from the city and contributions from stakeholders.
Assistant fire chief Mike Stegall said he has been a firefighter for 31 years and this marks the sixth new apparatus in the city. But fire engines aren’t cheap.
“The city made some sacrifices and they reached out,” Stegall said.
Supporters who helped fund the purchase in-kind or with monetary donations include Southeast Texas Emergency Relief Fund on behalf of Motiva, TPC, Lion Elastomers, Indorama and the Port Neches Volunteer Fire Department.
