With splashes of water, smears of olive oil, and sacred words, the Dearborn Heights Fire Department’s newest fire truck and rescue squad have been blessed and pressed into service.
A large crowd of city and department officials, along with families and friends, witnessed the consecration at the department’s headquarters building on Beech Daly Road July 29. The ritual was led by the department’s chaplain, Fr. Ray Bucon.
Bucon's blessing followed the traditions of the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic faiths common in such ceremonies – hence the use of water and olive oil. The water was splattered on both rigs while the oil was traced along the outline of the Maltese Cross, which is part of the department’s emblem.