BY KEVIN ALDRIDGE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MASON - A local youngster will be able to call one fire truck by name. Ellie Pittman, a 7-year-old student at Mason Heights Elementary School, was chosen out of 500 contestants to name the department's new truck.
Her choice: New Betsy.
When the Mason Volunteer Fire Department was established in the late 1800s, Betsy was the name of one of its first pumpers.
"We're really proud of Ellie's accomplishment," Mason Fire Chief Bill Goldfeder said. "The name she chose recognizes the new fire department and reflects and tributes the old volunteer department."
The Mason Fire District in October invited local children to color a picture and suggest a name for one of its new units, known then only as Tower 51. The coloring contest was designed to encourage kids to develop an interest in the fire squad, officials said.
The winner would have his or her name - and the truck's new name - permanently placed on the emergency vehicle.
Ellie also got an unexpected bonus Monday: a ride on New Betsy around the city and a trip up the fire ladder.
"The winner was judged on creativity and originality of the name that was picked," said firefighter Karen Donaldson, who oversaw the contest.
The department is proud of its new fire truck, which cost more than $650,000. Ms. Donaldson said the 100-foot tower truck will serve as one of the second responders to all structure fires. It is among the most advanced in the country, she said, and one of the few of its type in the Cincinnati area.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with the department's open house, allowing it to show the new equipment, officials said. The event also kicked off the city's Holiday Fire Safety campaign. Chief Goldfeder reminded residents to check their fire detectors and recommended a carbon monoxide detector.
