Levittown FD Holds Wet-Down for New Ladder 626

By JOHN WALTHERS, Senior Correspondent | June 26, 2021 | NEW YORK

Story No. 062821140

Photo by John Walthers- Suffolk Fire PhotosLevittown FD Ladder 626 is a 2019 Pierce Arrow XT Tiller, nicknamed "Brutus".

Photo by John Walthers- Suffolk Fire PhotosMembers of Levittown's truck company as well as department officers line up infront off Ladder 626 and give the pledge to the flag.

Photo by John Walthers- Suffolk Fire PhotosPresentation of a large key of Ladder 626 to the officers of the truck company.

Photo by John Walthers- Suffolk Fire PhotosNo Christening of a truck is complete without the breaking of champagne bottles.

Photo by John Walthers- Suffolk Fire PhotosA Levittown FD member prepares to wet the truck.

Photo by John Walthers- Suffolk Fire PhotosLevittown Ladder 626 gets a soaking

LEVITTOWN, NY - On Saturday, June 26th, Levittown FD held a wet-down dedication for their new 2019 Pierce Arrow XT Tiller. Despite being placed into service in February of 2020, due to Covid delays, the ladder was not able to receive its proper christening or dedication before being placed into service.

At this year's ceremony, Ex-Chief G. Anderson and current Chief Alfred Williams were joined at Station 3 by members of Ladder Company 6, as well as other companies and neighboring departments. The truck officially received its Holy Water blessing from Father Joey and then had its champagne blessing over the bumper.

After the official ceremony and presentation of the key was done, Ladder 626 was sent down North Wantagh Ave. to the Service Rd. area where trucks were lined up ready to give it a warm welcome to the fleet.

Ladder 626 is nicknamed "Brutus" in memory of former Captain Scott "Brutus" Johnston. Johnston was a key member of the truck committee who unfortunately died of 9/11 related illness prior to the dedication ceremony.

Congratulations to the Levittown FD on their Ladder’s official dedication, we hope that it gets your members to and from every alarm safely.