Port Jervis keeps tradition alive with 165th annual fire parade (GALLERY)

PORT JERVIS- Port Jervis Fire Department’s (PJFD) Annual Inspection Day Parade made its way along the department’s 165-year-old traditional parade route on Saturday, July 8, to the delight of the hundreds who turned out to enjoy it.  The route was lined with chairs, canopies, and families at curbside; others enjoying barbeques and using inflatable pools on parade route lawns.

Many view the annual PJFD parade as a highlight of summer events.  It provides fire units with a day of shared camaraderie and pride, and communities a chance to show appreciation for what firefighters do throughout each year.

Dozens of firefighters, apparatuses, and marching bands joined local fire departments in being saluted along with PJFD’s special tribute this year to local active or retired police officers.

The eight-division, approximately hour-and-a-half long parade included department officers and members, elected local officials, four parade grand marshals, and all of the city’s fire companies – including 2023 lead company Excelsior Engine Co. No. 5 which is celebrating its 150^th Anniversary this year.

Excelsior 5’s anniversary year Grand Marshals were 92-year-old, 64-year firefighter Richard F. Drew, who for 42 years served as PJFD Secretary and Parade Chairman, and 52-year firefighter Frank W. Fuller, Jr., whose family has served for generations as firefighters.  Fuller served in the past as 1^st and 2^nd lieutenant and captain in his company.  Both Drew and Fuller remain active as firefighters through the present.

Delaware Engine Co. No. 2, which switched with Engine 5 as this year’s lead company, still honored two longtime firefighters as Eng. 2 Grand Marshals.  They are 53-year member Robert D. Padgett, Sr., who has served in nearly every capacity in his company, including 1^st and 2^nd lieutenant, financial secretary, vice-president, president, and captain, and 42-year member Robert W. Hicks, who served as vice president and president in his company.  Both Padgett and Hicks also served with Rescue 3, including in leadership positions, before transferring to Eng. 2 when Rescue 3 disbanded.

Prior to Parade Day, a visit to past chief graves, memorial service, and inspection of firehouses and apparatuses completed.  Following the parade, trophies and scholarships were awarded (winner list included) and celebrations continued at local firehouses.

PJFD Parade /History

Port Jervis Fire Department is currently led by Chief Keith Brown, 1^st Assistant Chief Anthony Fuller, 2^nd Assistant Chief Jeffrey Lewis and a department board of officers.

Firefighting units have processed along PJFD’s historic parade route since the inception of the department in 1858, the same year its first elected chief (Chief Engineer Jacob Brandt) took office and five years after Port Jervis became a village.  The department was established from citizen-owned companies that had formed in the late 1840s and early 1850s.  The department’s first parade was held on a weekday, Thursday, November 4, 1858, 165 years ago this year.

Memorial Scholarships

(Given annually to a graduating senior or college student.)

 Earl Garrity II:  Lohgan Padgett

Michelle Innella:  Jenna Waligroski

Leo Fleming:  Tyler Donahue

Harold Aughton:  Aidyn Sotelo

Steven Sacco:  Brett Fuller

Sparrowbush Past Chief Carl W. VanHorn: Hailey Markle

Trophies

Second Best Appearing Ambulance: (Sponsored by O & D Electric Corp): Dingmans Ferry

Best Appearing Ambulance: (The Gun Lady): Lumberland

Best Appearing Non-Regulation Color Guard: (Sponsored by Tri-States Hose Co. #6) Orange County Sheriff

Company Traveling the Farthest Distance: (Sponsored by OC Legislator Tom Faggione): Monessen

Second Best Appearing Chief Vehicle: (In memory of Nick and Kevin McKeon): Westfall

Best Appearing Chief Vehicle: (In Memory of Past Chief Donald “Ozzie” Devore, Jr.): Frankford

Second Best Appearing Apparatus Under 10 Years Old: (Sponsored by Hess’ Store): Sussex

Best Appearing Apparatus Under 10 Years Old: (In memory of Richard Canouse/Pike Co. Fire Federation): Branchville

Second Best Appearing Apparatus Over 10 Years Old: (In memory of Fire Inspector Leo Fleming): Haverstraw

Best Appearing Apparatus Over 10 Years Old: (Sponsored by Past Chief James Rohner, Jr.): Franklin

Second Best Appearing Tanker Over 1,800 Gallons: (Sponsored by Court Madonna 114, Catholic Daughters of the Americas): Montague

Best Appearing Tanker Over 1,800 Gallons: (Sponsored by Len and Jo’s): Sparrowbush

Second Best Appearing Fire Department Color Guard: (Sponsored by Tri-State Drywall & Acoustical): Ellenville

Best Appearing Fire Department Color Guard: (Sponsored by Ben’s Fresh/Port Jervis Pizza): Franklin

Second Best Appearing Rescue Apparatus: (Sponsored by Past Secretary Richard Drew & Barbara): Westfall

Best Appearing Rescue Apparatus: (Sponsored by Double M Vending): Pearl River

Second Best Appearing Aerial Ladder Apparatus: (Sponsored by Millie’s Pooch Parlor): Highland (Cornwall)

Best Appearing Aerial Ladder Apparatus: (In memory of William McCann): Ellenville

Second Best Appearing Musical Unit: (Sponsored by PJ Democratic Committee): Orange County Musicians (Suffern FD)

Best Appearing Musical Unit: (Sponsored by Past Chief Frank “Petey” Fuller): Franklin Band

Best Appearing Junior Musical Unit: (Sponsored by Bear Hollow Embroidery): (None qualified this year.)

Second Best Appearing Antique Apparatus (1940 & Over): (Sponsored by Neversink Engine Co. #1): Franklin

Best Appearing Antique Apparatus (1940 & Over): (Sponsored by Past Chief Joseph Kowal, Sr.): Franklin

Second Best Appearing Ladies Auxiliary: (Sponsored by Chef on the Run): Sparrowbush

Best Appearing Ladies Auxiliary: (In Memory of Frank & Ralph Schips): Sussex

Second Best Appearing Apparatus: (Sponsored by PJ Republican Committee): Pochuck Valley

Best Appearing Apparatus: (In Memory of Past Chief Donald Devore, Sr.): Ellenville

Second Best Appearing Company in Regulation Uniform: (In Memory of Past Chief Douglas Moore): Sussex

Best Appearing Company in Regulation Uniform: (Sponsored by Kowal’s Sealcoating): Franklin

Second Best Appearing Company in Non-Regulation Uniform: (Sponsored by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home): Frankford

Best Appearing Company in Non-Regulation Uniform: (In Memory of Fred & Rick Drew): Ellenville

Second Best Appearing Company with Less Than 25 Firefighters: (Sponsored by Past Chief Jeff Rhoades): Suffern

Best Appearing Company with Less Than 25 Firefighters: (Sponsored by Neversink Engine Co. No. 1): Branchville

Most Firefighters in the Line of March: (Sponsored by Gray-Parker Funeral Home): Sussex

Best Overall Company: (Sponsored by Popp’s Trophies): Highland (Cornwall)