Wetdowns this year in New Jersey
RLDean
New Jersey as published in the April 2003 newsletter of the North Jersey
Volunteer Firemen's Association:
May 17 Truck Co. 1 of Wallington for a 2002 Seagrave Force aerial, 1p-6p
May 31 Schooley's Mountain For 2002 Pierce Dash, 6p-11p
June 1 Closter for 2002 PIerce Lance, 1p-5p
June 7 4 fire departments in 2 counties (Jefferson Twp Co. 2, Mount
Arlington,
Hopatcong Borough and Picatinny Arsenal US Army) will host a wetdown for 5
pieces of apparatus at Jefferson Township starts at 6pm and ends hours later
June 14 Birchwood Co. 4 of Rockaway Township, double wetdown starts 6pm
June 14 Cedar Grove Ambulance & Rescue Squad
June 21 Mendham Borough Fire Department for new rescue truck
June 21 Ramtown Fire Co. of Howell Township
June 28 North Caldwell Fire Department for Pierce Skyboom
July 12 Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Co. for Pierce Saber starting 2pm
July 19 Kinnelon Volunteer Fire Co. for Pierce Dash
July 26 Saddle Brook Volunteer Fire Dept for Pierce Quantum 5p-9p
Aug 16 Budd Lake Fire Department quadruple wetdown starting 7pm
Aug 23 Arbor Hose Co. 1, Piscataway Township for Central States pumper from
12p-5p with apparatus judging 11a-1p
Sep 6 Roseland Fire Dept for Pierce Enforcer
Sep 7 Saddle Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corps dual wetdown, 1p-5p
Anyone with any information about other wetdowns in New Jersey or nearby states
please advise me. Thanks in advance.
Also check www.wetdowns.com for updates
Rich Dean
Butler NJ
Secretary of North Jersey Volunteer Firemen's Association
Founder of Yahoogroup NorthJerseyVolFire
resqchf701
years. I hear about wetdowns. I see they are held when new apparatus is
delivered. What does one specifically do at a wet down?
If it involves attractive females wearing white t shirts and the use of
"supersoakers", I am THERE........ ;-)
KDS
Resqchf701
"RLDean" <rld...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20030413075337...@mb-fp.aol.com...
> Here's a list of some wetdowns announced for this spring & summer in
northern
> New Jersey as published in the April 2003 newsletter of the North Jersey
> Volunteer Firemen's Association:
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BCarney1123
>"supersoakers", I am THERE........ ;-)
It can, and usually does.
Basically a wetdown is held when a new vehicle is put in service. Might involve
a parade but not always. Some speeches, a benadiction, then companies throw
water at the new truck and each other for hours on end. Throw in some free beer
and you get the picture. Seems to be popular in the Northeast.
Neon Noodle
"BCarney1123" <bcarn...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20030415073825...@mb-fs.aol.com...
I guess/hope the drought emergancy has been lifted in New Jersey that we had
since last summer.Otherwise it might not look good for Fire Dept,s to throw
water around like crazy.
Neon
Steve & Susan
Wetdowns are virtually non-existent in the midwest. We're dedicating a
new "bookmobile" (other people actually call it an "Interagency
Command Center," but it would look really good with bookshelves and a
magazine rack) and I mentioned the word "wetdown" only to be stared at
like I was from another planet.
Sadly, our event will likely be dominated by flaming-gas-bag-in-a-suit
politicians making speeches about how wonderful/ patriotic/ apple pie
and anti-terrorism they are and cutting ribbons for the cameras,
followed by a compelling reason to puke and fall asleep (yeah, we're
all happy people).
It's a shame because prior to moving, I made at least 3 wetdowns every
year since 1981 (with the mugs to go with all of them), and all of the
Wildwood Firemen's Conventions since the late 80's. Even a few nice
ones in Pennsylvania and upstate NY (Rockland and north :o). Always a
fun time!
Nothing like it anywhere else. Sad.
Steve
Matt D
Convention weekend should be better on the expo side this year - we finally
have an indoor venue - brandy new convention center.
Watch the tram...
Matt D
"Steve & Susan" <moc.enilepip@ykkams> wrote in message
news:rmun9vspbrbdvm586...@4ax.com...
firechief
> Basically a wetdown is held when a new vehicle is put in service.
> (editted) Seems to be popular in the Northeast.
I have heard of ONE on the West coast.
Late May 2001, with the Palomar Mountain VFD (San Diego).
BCarney1123
>since last summer
I don't know if its been official lifted but last I heard reservoirs have been
running around 110% for the last three-four months. Seems like it rains every
day I'm off, except today, 80 degrees and sunny, yeah!
Steve & Susan
wrote:
>You are most definately an ex-patriot Jersey boy...
This is a beautiful country Matt, every single inch of it! ...just
don't eat the pizza when you travel and don't think anyone else will
know what sfogliatella is when you ask for a dozen at a bakery.
>Convention weekend should be better on the expo side this year - we finally
>have an indoor venue - brandy new convention center.
GET OUT!!!!!
Wildwood finally built a new convention center?!
That surely beats the tents :o) Having vendors inside really gives
people a chance to stop and look without feeling hurrried. Should be a
really good year!
I just started saving up for the trip!!!
THANK YOU for letting me know, and watch the tram car please!
Steve
"Travelling down the Turnpike
heading for the shore
A thought just then occurred to me
I never thought before
I've been a lot of places
Seen pictures of the rest
But of all the places I can think of
I like Jersey best."
- Joe Cosgriff
R ESTEY
> Here's a list of some wetdowns announced for this spring & summer in northern
> New Jersey as published in the April 2003 newsletter of the North Jersey
> Volunteer Firemen's Association:
>
While others may try they can not beat our wetdown last year - WEST PATERSON
FIRE DEPARTMENT'S wetdown (I mean dedication) of 3 Pierce 2001 200gpm pumpers
and 100ft tower ladder. Man that was a party!
R Estey
West Paterson Fire Department
Wetdown Response Team
Neon Noodle
"Steve & Susan" <moc.enilepip@ykkams> wrote in message
> GET OUT!!!!!
>
> Wildwood finally built a new convention center?!
>
> That surely beats the tents :o) Having vendors inside really gives
> people a chance to stop and look without feeling hurrried. Should be a
> really good year!
>
It was open for last years convention.They still had the tents though,not
much inside the new convention center as far as vendors.But it is very nice
and cool (AC) for the Friday and Saturday sessions,plenty of room for
everyone and a view of the ocean.
Neon
RLDean
Not only has it been lifted but the reservoirs are overflowing with so much
water that any rainy day is now causing a flood watch in many areas.
Rich
RLDean
>You are most definately an ex-patriot Jersey boy...
>Convention weekend should be better on the expo side this year - we finally
>have an indoor venue - brandy new convention center.
Sorry but that's quite true. The Wildwoods Convention Center is where the
New Jersey State Firemen's Association Convention meeting sessions will take
place. The main hall will be dedicated in honor of the New Jersey firemen.
It seats 7500 and we have about that many delegates and life members who are
paid to attend. The sessions are on Friday and Saturday. On Thursday
afternoon the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs will meet in one of the smaller
rooms there and possibly the association of fire districts will do likewise in
another room.
The New Jersey Fire Expo is sponsored by the Five Mile Beach Volunteer
Firemen's Association composed of the volunteer companies of the Wildwoods. It
is held in conjunction with the convention yet a separate function. Since the
business sessions are in the center built for that purpose the vendors will
still be in the tents.
If there are any doubters check with the NJSFA officers who are listed at
www.njsfa.org
Although only 7500 must attend the business meetings, there are 25,000
people (other firemen and their families) who book rooms for at least 3 nights
and another 50,000 spending at least one night with that many estimated to be
in town for the affair on Saturday.
Rich Dean
resqchf701
"Steve & Susan" <moc.enilepip@ykkams> wrote in message
> On 15 Apr 2003 11:38:25 GMT, bcarn...@aol.com (BCarney1123) wrote:
>
> >>If it involves attractive females wearing white t shirts and the use of
> >>"supersoakers", I am THERE........ ;-)
> >
> >It can, and usually does.
> >
> >Basically a wetdown is held when a new vehicle is put in service. Might
involve
> >a parade but not always. Some speeches, a benadiction, then companies
throw
> >water at the new truck and each other for hours on end. Throw in some
free beer
> >and you get the picture. Seems to be popular in the Northeast.
<snip>
> Sadly, our event will likely be dominated by flaming-gas-bag-in-a-suit
> politicians making speeches about how wonderful/ patriotic/ apple pie
> and anti-terrorism they are and cutting ribbons for the cameras,
> followed by a compelling reason to puke and fall asleep (yeah, we're
> all happy people).
Politicians. Yeah. (I have a rant, but I will spare you all.) I feel your
pain.
>
> It's a shame because prior to moving, I made at least 3 wetdowns every
> year since 1981 (with the mugs to go with all of them), and all of the
> Wildwood Firemen's Conventions since the late 80's. Even a few nice
> ones in Pennsylvania and upstate NY (Rockland and north :o). Always a
> fun time!
Must be Eastern PA.....Out here in WPA (The WILD west) I get around to
several counties and have never heard of anyone having or been invited to a
wetdown. Ive seen the term used here, and in periodicals, though. A
neighboring department of ours had a "housing" ceremony for an engine
several years ago. All surrounding chiefs were invited to "push" the new
truck into the bay of the station. Supposedly an old tradition.
Thanks for the information and replies. Maybe I will get to one some day.
Our Dept is many years from a new piece to "wetdown" or we may have one.
Kevin S.
resqchf701
Come to think of it, I once saw a news story on Erie, PA TV about Emergycare
getting 6 ambulances. They showed a priest shaking Holy Water on it. Would
that count?? ;-)
Sounds like a party though, Thanksfor info.....
KDS
Steve & Susan
wrote:
>Must be Eastern PA.....
Yes. Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Lancaster, etc.
>Out here in WPA (The WILD west) I get around to
>several counties and have never heard of anyone having or been invited to a
>wetdown. Ive seen the term used here, and in periodicals, though.
Shame. I would've thought it was pretty established there based on the
several times I've driven through and visited some volunteer
departments.
>A
>neighboring department of ours had a "housing" ceremony
WTF?! LOL!!!
>for an engine
>several years ago. All surrounding chiefs were invited to "push" the new
>truck into the bay of the station. Supposedly an old tradition.
When I first got on the FD (1981), we had a 1953 and 1954 American La
France Foamite engines that were pretty much reserve by then. Once we
got one out on the road and it stalled requiring everyone to jump off
and push it so the driver could kick it into gear and jump start it.
I suppose you need to find out early on if all of the big guys can
push the damned thing back into the garage or to the nearest hill to
get it started.
>Thanks for the information and replies. Maybe I will get to one some day.
>Our Dept is many years from a new piece to "wetdown" or we may have one.
Have you considered this - why wait until you have something just to
have a wetdown? Just make the date and get everyone to come out for a
BBQ or something similar, maybe do some firematic competition and flow
some water, too. It's a lot of fun, gets people to know you're out
there and could be the start of a new tradition.
Good luck,
Steve
RLDean
>several counties and have never heard of anyone having or been invited to a
>wetdown. Ive seen the term used here, and in periodicals, though. A
>neighboring department of ours had a "housing" ceremony for an engine
>several years ago. All surrounding chiefs were invited to "push" the new
>truck into the bay of the station. Supposedly an old tradition.
>
>Thanks for the information and replies. Maybe I will get to one some day.
>Our Dept is many years from a new piece to "wetdown" or we may have one.
>
>Kevin S.
>
When I began attending wetdowns over 30 years ago there would only be a
hundred or so people, 200 tops. Rarely would there be any water. Things have
changed. These days if the wetdown doesn't attract at least a thousand people
it's considered a real dud. Sometimes there might be dozen of engines staging
for their turn in the wetzone.
No formal invitation is needed so anyone hearing about a wetdown is
certainly welcome. If you've come from a distance, let the hosts know about it
as sometimes trophies are given for things like farthest distance travelled.
In 1983, for the wetdown of our firehouse four guys from the Butler Fire
Department of Butler, Indiana, came 600 miles and Tunxis Hose of Unionville CT
coming 130 miles for second place.
Rich Dean
Butler NJ
Rich Dean