The Milan Rescue Squad christened its new ambulance — a 2024 American Emergency Vehicle (AEV) — at a wetdown ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 20. Akin to the tradition of smashing a champagne bottle against a ship’s hull for good luck, a wetdown is a centuries-old custom that officially welcomes a fire vehicle into service. Stephanie Fitzpatrick, the squad’s captain said that weather, scheduling, training dates, and officer turnover delayed the wetdown eight months.
Milan, Red Hook, and Tivoli first responders, politicians, and community members looked on as a huge arc of water shot from a Milan Fire Department tanker and drenched the AEV. Jeff Galm, 40-year veteran of the department, told the Herald that while wetdowns are usually reserved for firetrucks, “We decided this would be a great way to celebrate our new ambulance.”
The AEV specialty vehicle — estimated by squad volunteers to cost $325,000 — replaces the squad’s lone 2007 Braun ambulance, which Galm said was hampered by frequent mechanical problems. The new purchase is equipped with upgrades, including 4-wheel drive and safety features like LED lights for improved visibility.
According to Galm, monthly pancake breakfasts and other fundraisers paid for a large portion of the AEV’s cost; the Town of Milan and its fire department covered the balance. “Our new ambulance fits the rescue squad’s needs, while staying within our budget,” Galm said.
The AEV was delivered to the station in early January, and was ready to roll after two weeks of prepping by EMS volunteers, who loaded supplies and performed system checks. “We waited a long time for this ambulance,” Galm said. “We put it into service on Jan. 13, and it answered its first call that very same day.”