On Saturday, July 5, 2008 Leetsdale Volunteer Fire Department held a dedication for their new Engine 303, in front of their fire station on Broad Street. Sewickley Fire Department 258 Truck was parked on one side of Broad Street near the fire house and Moon Township Fire Company Engine 4 (tele-squirt), was parked across the street from 258 Truck. With both aerials slightly raised and spraying a shower of water down onto Broad Street, Leetsdale Fire Chief, Ernie Logan drove the new Engine 303 down Broad Street with lights and sirens, towards the two raised aerial apparatus and water curtain.

The new Engine 303 was soaked down, as it passed under the water curtain that was created by Sewickley and Moon apparatus. Chief Logan then parked the new Engine on the pad in front of the station, where all those present bowed their heads as a local pastor said a short prayer, blessing the new Engine as well as the Leetsdale firefighters. Following the prayer, as with tradition, the Leetsdale firefighters all lined up in front of the new Engine and pushed it back into its bay at the station.

Leetsdale residents and other firefighters that showed up for the dedication were given a tour of the new fire station. A cookout was held following the dedication. The new Engine 303 has reflective dots on the rear of the Engine, to help make the Engine much more visible, even during the day. Those in attendance had a chance to guess how many reflective dots are on the rear of Engine 303, by donating $1.00 a guess, with the person with the closest guess to the number of dots, winning the money. Chief Logan’s wife Shirley spent 2 hours the night before, counting each and every reflective dot for the contest. How many dots do you think there are on the rear of Engine 303? Look closely at the last picture in the gallery. So how many dots are there…………………..And the answer is………….. 3,682.

Here are some of the specs on the new Engine 303. It is a 2006 Spartan cab and chassis with a Spencer body. The Engine was sold to Leetsdale Fire Department by Keystone Fire Apparatus for $340,000. Engine 303 has a 2000 GPM pump; it has a rehab compartment that includes a refrigerator. The Engine carries 50 gallons of foam and can carry 7 firefighters.