BOWDOINHAM

Bowdoinham welcomed its first-ever quick attack truck with a “wet down” ceremony.

Fire Chief Arthur Frizzle saw it as a way to build pride within the department.

“It’s special to us, a small-town a volunteer fire department,” said Frizzle. “We take a lot of pride in what we do and to get a new piece of equipment is a big deal.”

The ceremony, which dates back to the 18th century as a way to annoint a new vehicle, saw some members of the Bowdoinham fire department pump water, while others clad in rescue gear pushed the new Squad 4 vehicle into the station. With water splashing over it, the truck was delivered to its new home.

The truck was approved by Bowdoinham voters at last year’s town meeting at a cost of up to $170,000. Smaller than the department’s primary engine, the new truck is ideal for EMS calls and has forestry capabilities.

In his opening remarks, Frizzle joked that one of the vehicles the quick-attack truck will be replacing — a service vehicle made in 1988 — is older than many of the members of his department.

“It’s served our needs for 30 years,” he said. “The new one is more versatile. The equipment is up to date. It’s brighter, which safety is a factor when you’re responding on highways. Safety is always important.”

The truck has a life expectancy of about 25-30 years; it replaces the service vehicle and a Ford F-350 with forestry capabilities.