Fire Truck Parades Mark the Start of Summer!
Did you know the parade is a competition?
As June ends and July rolls in it's time for the Fire Truck Parades from our local Volunteer Fire Departments.** As much as it is a time for the public to enjoy the impressiveness of the equipment and the neat uniforms of our firefighters, the sounds, the colors, the sights, it is a time for local fire houses to share camaraderie with fire departments from other towns and show off their stuff.
To take pressure off local organizers, parades are judged by independent judges from the Westchester County Parade Judges Association (WCPJA), formed in 1973. Their membership consists of former Chiefs from Fire Companies and Departments in the Lower Hudson Valley.
For 42 years, they have judged Fire Department Events in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Delaware. It is the purpose of the WCPJA to provide fire departments and companies with an equitable means of judging parades, and other event competition, for the benefit of all, with a strong emphasis and goal of developing a closer relationship in fire service.
CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING WCPJA PARADES AND COMPETITIONS AND RESULTS
**LOCAL PARADES:
Friday, July 10th at 7:00 pm
Mount Kisco Parade, Mount Kisco, New York
Friday, July 24th at 7:00 pm
Bedford Village Parade, Bedford, New York
Wednesday, August 5th at 7:00 pm
South Salem Parade, South Salem, New York
Saturday, August 22nd, 4:00 pm
Carmel 100th Anniversary Parade, Carmel, New York
ALL-VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
With deepest appreciation for those who volunteer for our local Fire Departments. Please come out and show your appreciation for their hours of service!! Cheer them on!! Check the schedule above for a Fire Department parade near you in the next few weeks. Great family outing!! Don't forget to check the WCPJA link and see results from each parade!!
A Special Shout Out to Mount Kisco Fire Department (our fire district):
For over 100 years, the all-volunteer Mount Kisco Fire Department has provided residents of Mount Kisco, New Castle and Bedford with fire protection. The Mount Kisco Fire Department has one Department Chief and three Assistant Chiefs. The four member companies each have their own set of line officers and administrative officers. The four member companies: Union Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, Mutual Engine & Hose Co. No. 1; Independent Fire Company; and Rescue Fire Police operate out of three fire stations with 200 volunteers. The Department operates with four engines, two aerials, two rescues, one utility truck and four chiefs vehicles and responds to approximately 600 fire emergencies a year.
Foreward from Katonah Fire Department Historic Movie
"From the very dawn of civilization, FIRE has been man's best friend and bitterest enemy.
In large centers of population the ravages of fire are minimized by laws requiring buildings of fire resisting construction and a paid Fire Department on duty all hours with authority to do whatever is necessary to save life and property.
In small suburban and rural communities this task falls on the Volunteer Fire Department whose record of lives saved and property salvaged from the ravages of fire is one worthy of all praise and the willing support of every citizen."
Link to view:
Historic Movie about Katonah All-Volunteer Fire Department
Images via, via and via
