ANDOVER – Chief Michael Mansfield is pleased to announce that Andover Fire Rescue’s new Engine 3 has been placed into service following a formal dedication.
The new Engine 3, a 2022 Pierce Enforcer, replaces a similar Pierce model that has been in service since 2007. Engine 3 will be stationed at the West Andover Station on Greenwood Road.
On Monday, March 7, Department Chaplain Jon Paul blessed the engine in a dedication ceremony that is traditional within the fire services.
“This ceremony is important because these firefighters know that they are being prayed for, and in the thoughts of those in their community,” said Chaplain Paul, senior pastor of the Free Christian Church in Andover.
Chaplain Paul read from Psalm 91, which speaks of divine protection, and offered a non-denominational blessing.
Chaplain Paul also gifted the Department with a fire service medallion in the shape of the Firefighters Cross, containing the Firefighter Prayer on one side. The medallion will be kept inside the engine cab.
“This helps our firefighters spiritually and emotionally, to know we are carrying on the tradition of St. Florian,” the patron saint of firefighters, Chief Mansfield said.
The older Engine 3 will be placed on reserve status for the next three to five years, and remain available should another piece of apparatus be taken offline.