Johnson County RFD #1 Receives Engine and Equipment from the Baystate Fraternal Order of Leather Shields

Our department has had the good fortune of having an engine and equipment donated to us by the Baystate Fraternal Order of Leather Shields (F.O.O.L.S.) from Massachusetts.

The firefighters came to Arkansas in August to participate in a Housing Ceremony and provide us with some incredible training, including vehicle extrication, pump ops, drafting, large diameter hose and much, much more. We are so grateful that they were able to come to Arkansas to participate in our ceremony.

Just a bit of information about a Housing Ceremony~ it is a traditional ceremony in the fire service from the time when fire trucks were pulled by horses and the apparatus had to be pushed into the bay after the horses were unhooked. The engine was then pushed into the station by the firefighters and community and demonstrated the efforts of everyone in bringing the new fire truck to the community and the hopes that the truck will stay in the station as much as possible.

Representatives from Governor Mike Beebe, Congressman John Boozman and Senator Pryor's office were also in attendance, along with our firefighters and members of the community.