Cloverdale's new engine in service

The Cloverdale Fire District recently held a combined ceremony which is known in the fire service as a "Wetting Ceremony" and a "Housing Ceremony."

The Wetting Ceremony is the dedication of a new engine. Water was taken from the old truck and poured into the new truck's tank to show the continuity of service from one generation to the next.

After the transfer of water from the 35-year-old Pierce engine, the Housing Ceremony began. Chief Thad Olsen recounted the fact that many years ago fire apparatus was pulled to the scene of fires by horses. Upon return to the firehouse, the horses could not back the heavy steam engines and hose carts into the building. The apparatus was placed on the apron, the horses unhitched, and the rigs pushed back into the station by hand.

The volunteer members of Station 601 pushed the new 621 into the bay, honoring the tradition and marking the placing into service of the new fire engine. Lt. Clinton Weaver - who has volunteered more time placing the new trucks in service than any member of the district - had the honor of retiring the old 35-year-old engine, and placing the call to Deschutes County 911 Dispatch with this message;

"Dispatch, show 621 Pierce, out of service, retired. Show 621 Rosenbauer, available, in service, in quarters."

In a separate observance, Weaver was promoted to captain and ACI Spencer Cashwell was promoted to lieutenant.

They were honored last Monday night in a ceremony where Captain/Training Officer Michael Valoppi conveyed how these two men exemplify what it means to be a volunteer - each receiving Firefighter of the Year and the Deputy Chief John Thomas Award multiple times for their dedication and service.

The ceremony was completed as Lieutenant Cashwell's wife, Jenny, and Captain Weaver's wife, Cindy, pinned their new collar pins on them.

Chief Thad Olsen stated, "We are proud to have them as part of the community."