A fire engine roared past me a few weeks ago downtown. I was stopped on Water as it slewed around the bandstand and up to Front St. I spotted  this detail on  the cab, “Union Engine Co.”  Curious, I  checked with  Ken Berkenbush our Assistant Chief to inquire about the  dedication .  Here is a pic of our Chief , Brian Comeau  in front of our new  engine.

Exeter FD Photo

Ken dropped me a note  to explain

“As engine companies are being replaced they are named after the original  fire companies here in town. The Union was one of the original companies here in town in 1852. Places like Newburyport,  MA  have done this since the inception of their Fire Department.”

Trivia

While most Fire Departments in the USA are volunteer, most of  the fires are fought by Professional Firefighters. I understand it’s an inverse relationship .

Thanks Ken!

Mike