Several members of the Center Ossipee Fire Department attended the dedication and “push-in” ceremony for West Ossipee’s new tower ladder Saturday, Oct. 28, COFD posted on Facebook Sunday.
7-Tower-3 is a 2010 Pierce Velocity mid-mount with a remounted Mack CF/Baker 75-foot Aerialscope (formerly of Sayville, New York). This will be replacing 7-Tower-1 which is a 1980 Mack Baker Aerialscope (Originally FDNY L120).
The new ladder was dedicated in memory of West Ossipee FD former members Matt Welch and Chris Tozier. Matt is the father of current COFD Lieutenant Thomas Welch. The truck was also dedicated to the memory of Sayville FD Ex-Chief Donald M. Hodgkinson, who died in the line of duty at a working fire while operating this Aerialscope.
The push-in ceremony dates back to the 1800’s when fire apparatus were horse-drawn steamer engines. Horses will not walk backwards when they are under a load. When a new steamer was delivered to a firehouse, the assigned members would have to push it into the firehouse.
Chief Dana Cullen Jr. and the officers and members of Center Ossipee FD wish safe travels and the best of luck to all at WOFD with their new tower ladder.
