Engine 261 is slated for a “water down blessing” during the Oxford Fire Department bicentennial celebration on Saturday. (Photo from Oxford Fire Department Facebook page).

OXFORD – The Oxford Fire Department will commemorate its bicentennial this weekend, marking two centuries of service to the local community.

“We’re celebrating 200 years of rich tradition and fire service culture,” said Oxford Fire Chief Ron Martin. “The important thing for us is to remember the past, celebrate the present, and dream about our future.”

The celebration kicks off Saturday with a fire truck parade at noon, starting at the Oxford High School and making its way through the village before ending at the fire station. At 1 p.m., OFD members will hold a “dedication wetdown” of its new UTV and Engine 261 at the fire station. 

“That’s more or less a blessing with water on our new equipment to keep us safe and continue on,” Martin said.