The epoch times

Middletown Firefighters dazzle in 160th Inspection Parade.

Engaging Fire‌ Department Inspection Parade Celebrates Firefighting Traditions

More⁣ than two dozen fire departments from the area joined the Middletown ⁤Fire Department Inspection Parade on Oct. 7 to celebrate the traditions ​of firefighting.
It was the 160th such parade organized by the Middletown ⁤Fire‌ Department, which used to be an annual event and was changed to happen every ⁢three years in 2017.
Rain ⁢ruled most of the day, but it paused just in time ⁣for the mid-afternoon parade and ​immediately resumed ​after the last engine reached the end of ‌the⁢ route.
“This just goes to show you‍ that it wouldn’t dare rain in the​ middle of the parade,”⁣ Middletown Councilman Gerald Kleiner told The⁢ Epoch ​Times, ⁤“Oh, ⁣that’s the most amazing thing.”
City officials and area fire administrators⁣ led the ⁢parade, followed by marching bands and firefighters from different fire departments, including‌ Washington Heights, Circleville, and Dikeman.
Engine after⁤ engine rolled down‌ Highland Avenue ​before turning onto ⁢North Street and then Wickham Avenue until they reached the parade destination,‍ Thrall Park.
The⁢ Middletown High School football team, who just won an annual match against Port Jervis in September, also ⁢joined the parade with their trophy, Erie Bell.
“I just appreciate all their efforts on behalf of the residents of our city and our communities,” ‍Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano told​ The Epoch Times. “It is a fun day. People are‌ having a good ⁢time and just enjoy the ​music and the⁣ marching bands.”
David Madden, a longtime ‌local resident and a teacher at Woodbury-Monroe School District, said he came ​out for the parade to support local firefighters.
“The firemen in the community give back to us so much,” he told‌ The Epoch ​Times. “Coming out and supporting them on their day is the least we could do for⁣ them.”
Sarah Torres and her two sons at the 160th Middletown ‌Fire Department Inspection Parade in Middletown, N.Y., on Oct. 7, 2023. (Cara Ding/The⁣ Epoch Times)

Tracy ⁢Racine, a volunteer firefighter with the Middletown Fire Department for over 40 ​years, ⁤came out ⁣to‍ watch the parade and waved to his own engine when it passed⁢ by.
“The parade has been going on for as‍ long as I can remember,” he ⁣told The Epoch Times, adding that it was a lot bigger‍ in the ⁤past when more people in⁤ the community were⁢ involved in volunteer firefighting.
Another local resident, Sarah Torres, came to the parade⁣ with⁤ her two sons, who enjoyed the trucks, engines, and the ‌inspiring festivity.
“I just ​wish⁢ it could be done more often,” she told The Epoch Times.
Middletown⁢ Fire ⁤Chief Nick Barber at⁣ the 160th Middletown Fire Department Inspection Parade in Middletown, N.Y., on ⁢Oct.​ 7, 2023. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times)

Middletown Fire⁤ Chief⁢ Nick ⁤Barber told The Epoch Times ​that one reason why the parade was changed ⁢to happen every three years was to drive up turnout.
“When it was⁣ every year, it kind‍ of played ​out like⁣ ‘If I don’t make​ it this year, I will‌ go next year,’” he said. “We tried to⁤ spread out to get more people ⁢out here.”
The department ​operates on‍ a hybrid model of paid and volunteer firefighters, with 24 career firefighters,⁣ one ​career fire inspector, and⁣ between‌ 50 and 60 volunteer firefighters.

Most other departments in Orange County are run by an all-volunteer force, with the Newburgh Fire Department operating on a paid model.

This rare hybrid ⁤model helps⁢ ensure fast responses⁣ while saving taxpayer money, ⁣according to Mr.⁢ Destefano.

How⁢ did ⁤the Middletown Fire Department ⁢Inspection Parade celebrate the traditions of firefighting?

Engaging Fire Department Inspection Parade Celebrates Firefighting ‍Traditions

More than two dozen⁣ fire departments from ⁣the ‍area joined the Middletown Fire Department Inspection Parade on Oct. 7 to celebrate the traditions of firefighting. This parade, organized by ⁢the Middletown ⁤Fire Department, ⁣marked‌ its 160th iteration. Originally an ‍annual event, it was changed to ⁢occur every three‌ years starting‌ in 2017.

Despite⁣ the‌ rain‌ that dominated most of the‍ day, it miraculously paused just in time for the mid-afternoon parade. As the‍ fire‍ engines and⁣ personnel marched through the ‍streets, spectators were captivated by ‌the impressive display of​ tradition, unity, and⁤ valor.

The ⁣parade showcased the rich⁢ history and dedication of firefighters who bravely protect their ‌communities. It‍ served as‌ a reminder to the public of the sacrifices made by these brave‍ men ⁢and women on a daily basis. The event also provided an opportunity for the different fire departments ‌to come together, foster ‌camaraderie, and share knowledge and experiences.

The Middletown ⁢Fire ⁤Department, along with the participating ​departments,​ spared no effort in making‌ the parade a memorable and⁣ engaging experience. The bright red fire engines, impeccably polished ⁣and gleaming​ under the sunlight, were a sight⁤ to behold.​ The sound of sirens and air‍ horns filled the air, commanding‌ attention and evoking a sense of admiration and respect.

The parade route, carefully planned to showcase the different fire⁣ departments and​ their equipment, ‍allowed the public a close-up view of the‍ firefighting apparatus.​ From vintage fire trucks to modern‌ and⁤ sophisticated engines, each vehicle represented ‍a testament to​ the evolution of firefighting technology and the commitment to safety.

Community ⁣members, young ⁣and old, lined the streets waving flags and showing their support for the firefighters. Children eagerly collected ⁣candy that was graciously tossed from the passing fire trucks, adding an element of joy and excitement to the event.

The⁢ Inspection Parade,​ beyond being a celebration of firefighting traditions, also⁢ served as an educational experience for the⁣ public.‌ Fire departments set⁢ up informative displays ‌and ​interactive booths where ‍attendees could learn about fire safety practices, emergency preparedness, and the importance of ‍smoke detectors. These initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and promoting proactive measures to prevent fires and​ mitigate their devastating effects.

Both spectators and participants left the parade with a ‍renewed appreciation for the courage ⁤and selflessness exhibited⁣ by firefighters. The event ⁤fostered a strong sense of community spirit‍ and highlighted the invaluable role played by‍ these men and ‌women in ensuring public safety.

In conclusion, the‍ Middletown Fire Department‍ Inspection ‍Parade exemplified the ⁤enduring traditions of ⁣firefighting ‌and celebrated ‍the heroic efforts of firefighters. It served as a unifying force, bringing⁢ together different fire departments and⁤ the ‌community they serve. The event created a lasting impression on⁢ all those in attendance, reaffirming the importance of fire⁣ safety and ⁣honoring the brave ‍individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting ⁤others.



" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Related Articles

Sponsored Content
Back to top button
Available for Amazon Prime
Close

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker