Mayor William E. Cooper joined City Council members and the Enterprise Fire Department Friday morning for a fire department tradition that dates back to the 1800s.

The 2023 E-One Typhoon fire engine was first sprayed by a 1997 E-One Cyclone II in a proverbial passing of the torch. The wet-down ritual dates back to the 1800s, when horse-drawn equipment was used.  The horses were washed alongside the pumpers before being pushed back into the fire house bay by firefighters. Mayor Cooper, Council, and other city leaders joined with firefighters to then push the apparatus into the bay.

“We are proud to have this new piece of equipment to help us better serve the citizens of Enterprise,” Fire Chief Christopher Davis said. “But it takes more than a shiny new fire truck. It takes the men and women who make up department, who give of themselves so selflessly, to protect our community.”

Fire engines traditionally have a 25-year lifespan—15 years on active duty and 10 years on reserve status.  The new $678,326 fire engine is the seventh apparatus in the fleet and will be housed at Central Fire Station.

“I think it’s important to introduce the community to the new apparatus as ultimately they own it,” Davis said. “We want to ensure they understand the value and improved service they’ll receive from this piece of equipment.”

The new engine, which will be known as Engine 8, will feature a commemorative plaque with the names of Mayor Cooper, City Council, City Administrator Jonathan Tullos and Fire Chief Davis.