Avon Welcomes New Fire Engine with Celebration

The dedicated volunteer firemen of the Avon-by-the-Sea Fire Department and several luminaries were on hand for the dedication celebration of their newest addition, a 2010 KME 12150 GPM Pumper.

The shiny red Predator Legacy Engine Truck cost $296,000, measures 29 ½ feet in length, 9 ½ feet in height, and weighs in at 21 tons. Firefighters and onlookers admired the truck which is capable of seating six, and has 1,000 feet of five-inch hose, along with a 25-gallon foam tank.  Fortunately, due to a federal grant, the Borough of Avon only had to match five percent of the truck’s price.

Avon Volunteer Fire Department Chief Keith Maurer, Avon, a department member for 10 years, and chief for five months, explained.

“We were fortunate to get a grant from the federal government which saved the taxpayers from having to pay full purchase price of the engine – the Borough only had to match five percent of the price," he said. “We’re fortunate to have a strong department; we have about 35 active firefighters.”

Eight-year Avon volunteer firefighter, Captain Cal Talmage, Avon, lingered around the dedication area, and commented when asked about the crowds.

“Good turnout – very happy to have the town support us and purchase this truck for us," he said. "We’re pleased to continue serving the town as we have the past 110 years.”

His wife, Lori, praised her husband for his dedication. 

“I’m very proud of him.  It’s a courageous thing the guys do.  Every time he leaves the house, I worry.”  She continued, “It’s a good team.  They know what they’re doing – they work together.”

Other volunteer team members Karl Klug, Avon, and Jim Atwater, Wall – a fireman for more than 30 years – manned the beer tent at the wet down. 

“It’s a fun family day,” stated Atwater, as both men patiently awaited the soon-to-be-thirsty crowd.

Prior to the dedication ceremony, attendees were entertained by special guests, the Contingent of Fire Department New York Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, who played “Amazing Grace,” and other melodic tunes.  Children kept busy bouncing on the huge enclosed trampoline set up on the borough hall lawn.

In keeping with tradition at most wet downs, the beer flowed.  Both beer and wine were available for purchase, but, free-of-charge were such delicious foods as London broil, burgers, chicken wings, hotdogs and pasta salad; with soft drinks for those opting not to drink.

While fun was in excess, the event was primarily about the dedication of the pumper.  Chief Maurer tried to crack open a bottle of champagne on the truck’s bumper, until a fireman with a fire ax solved the problem on the driveway.  During his speech, he noted Avon only recently retired a 1978 engine – one of the longest periods a truck has served a fire department.

Perhaps with the blessing given by Rev. Dan Gowen of St. Elizabeth’s Roman Catholic Church in Avon, the department’s new pumper will last just as long.