Community celebrates Engine 81

Navasota Fire Chief Jason Katkoski said the tradition dates back to the 19^th century. Before automobiles firefighters, who were members of the community, used horses to pull steam trucks. Obviously backing into the bay with horses was an issue. Firefighters unhooked from the horses, cleaned the trucks, and pushed them backwards into the bay. The newest truck, Engine 81, was ordered Sept. 2021 and cost $838,000. If ordered now, it would cost $1.2 million with a three year wait. The engine features a snake eyes logo on the rear showing Navasota Rattler school spirit.