TOWN OF ULSTER – Ulster
Avenue was closed to traffic Saturday afternoon, for over an hour, to
make way for the 83rd annual Ulster County Volunteer Firefighters Association
parade. Nearly every local firehouse sent participants and equipment for
the event.
Over 1,000 people lined the parade route, which stretched about a mile
through the Town of Ulster, beginning at the Ulster County Business Resource
Center, along Ulster Avenue, and ending at Tech City at Boices Lane, by
way of Morton Boulevard.
Walker Valley vintage fire truck
Firefighters, bands and more, participated
Hazy humid skies and a high temperature of 85 degrees marked the weather
– much improved from the torrential rain squalls that hit the region
one day earlier.
Each brigade marched in the sweltering heat in their formal dress uniforms
along the avenue.
Included in the procession, were public officials, marching bands, antique
fire engines, ladies auxiliaries, county color guards, and numerous first
responders. Visiting marching bands also appeared from Maybrook, Newburgh,
Westchester County, and New Jersey.
Volunteer Firefighters Association President Frank Fauble III said the
event helps boost morale, showing appreciation for the local volunteer
firefighters and first responders, giving thanks for their year of service.
He called the turnout on Saturday “an awesome show of support.”
Parades such as these allow the public to see their heroic firefighters
in a rare situation where they are not in danger. Every day, as sirens
blare, the fire trucks zoom through our communities rushing into harm’s
way. Bouquets of flowers carried by certain officers are held in remembrance
to their fallen brethren.
John Avery III of the Ellenville Fire Department received the Firefighter
of the Year Award; and West Hurley Fire Company received the Unit Citation
Award. This year’s parade was originally scheduled to take place
in Milton.
Town of Ulster Police helped divert traffic along the strip, with the
assistance of Kingston Police.
