Clearwater FD: Engine 50 Dedication Ceremony

Saturday, July 20, 2013 - 5:56 pm

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Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department says
Out with the old and in with the new

At 9 o’clock this morning a dedication ceremony was held in honor of the new fire engine at Station 50 of the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department. Station 50 is located just east of the Countryside Mall at 2681 Countryside Blvd.

Clearwater City Manager Bill Horne, Mayor George Cretekos, Vice Major Paul Gibson and Council Members Bill Jonson and Doreen Hock-DiPolito were all in attendance. Fire Chief Robert Weiss welcomed everyone that came to the dedication and explained the importance of the new engine both to the firefighters and the community. Chief Weiss mentioned that the dedication ceremony was held to thank the entire community for providing this essential apparatus for the fire service.

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This new engine is replacing a 14-year old engine that has run over 21,000 calls for service in the community. This new 2013 Pierce Velocity Engine is considered state of the art. It has a 1500 gallon per minute pump, holds 500 gallons of water and is equipped with over 3,350 feet of fire hose. It will be staffed daily with a paramedic and serve as an Advanced Life Support unit to provide for the community’s medical needs. The cost of the new engine was approximately $500,000 and with the customization may come closer to the $700,000-$750,000 range.

Engine 50 was dedicated to the memory of Lt. Glenn Witko whose unexpected death on December 21, 2010 stunned all that knew him. His family was in attendance at the ceremony. Lt. Witko started with Clearwater Fire Rescue in July of 1995 and was promoted to Lieutenant in October 2004. His last shift with the department was as Lieutenant on Engine 50. Chief Weiss presented the Witko family with a photograph of new Engine 50. The entire department personally thanked and recognized the Witko family for sharing their husband, father, and son.

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Mayor Cretekos thanked all the men and women with the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department for their dedication while pledging to try to make sure they always have the best and up-to-date equipment. He also recognized and thanked, John Kleinfelter, President of the Clearwater Firefighters Association for all of his service as well.