Philly Fire Department Christens New Fire Truck
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – It's been decades since the Philadelphia Fire Department held a ceremony christening a new fire truck
The forgotten tradition was resurrected Thursday.
Bagpipes and drums welcomed the red, white and gold fire truck to the Engine 25 Firehouse in Kensington.
Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel says these upgrades are imperative in helping them do their best job:
"You call 9-1-1 our firefighters, our medics are there dedicated to service, committed to change, committed to the future and of course to upholding proud traditions that make this such an iconic fire department and such an iconic city."
Firehouse captain Tony Bompadre agrees, this new truck is much needed:
"All the guys assigned here were very fortunate to get this new piece of apparatus. the guys here are dedicated their motivated, so it's going to get put to good use here, we're going to take good care of it."
Mayor Jim Kenney was also on hand. He says he's fighting to not only get upgraded vehicles, but for them to have better facilities:
"The condition of these houses need to be improved tremendously and we're working hard every day to get the capital dollars out that crazy pipeline that it seems like it always stays in to get these facilities up to speed."
Commissioner Thiel says they plan on having more ceremonies like this.