SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA – At 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 10, the house siren of the American Hose Company of Ashland began to wail. With the siren, firefighters from multiple counties jumped on their rigs and began an apparatus parade throughout the borough.
The parade was the first part of the celebration for the American Hose as they dedicated and housed their new Engine. The new Engine led the parade followed by their other engine and equipment carrier.
After the parade, the visiting companies along with residents of Ashland and other communities joined the company’s members at the firehouse on Walnut Street to dedicate the Engine. Ashland Fire Chief Phil Groody was the master of ceremonies and gave a short speech. Other dignitaries also spoke a few words.
The new Engine was then blessed with a prayer and a bottle of champagne was smashed over the front bumper. Finally, the members of the company housed the Engine by pushing it into the bay where it will sit until called to an emergency.
Guests were welcomed to food and drink at the firehouse along with music provided by a DJ. Later in the afternoon, awards were presented to the best appearing pieces of apparatus in the parade.
The new Engine is a 1996 Pierce Lance which formerly served the Parkland Fire Company in Bucks County. The Engine is designate 38-11.
