Video of Grand Marshal Bernie Roe:
TOWN OF WAPPINGER – The New Hackensack Fire District and Fire Company were formed on March 3, 1949. Ten years later, Bernie Roe joined the fire company and is still responding to calls 65 years later. As a tribute to his dedicated service, Roe led his company down Myers Corners Road as Saturday’s Grand Marshal of the 75th Anniversary Parade. He was followed by more than 20 other fire departments and marching bands heading to the New Hackensack headquarters for a celebration, carnival, and fireworks display.
The fire departments staged down from headquarters and put the final cleaning touches on their rigs as they prepared to be judged in the parade. Bernie Roe was visiting with firefighters and told Mid Hudson News “This is such an honor for me. This is a great day.” Roe is the oldest active responding member in the department.
Following him in the parade was the history of the department in the form of the first New Hackensack fire engine; a 1949 Sanford that arrived at New Hackensack in 1950. The rig has been restored and is on display at headquarters.
“We are honored to celebrate 75 years of service to our community,” said Fire Company President Vincent Valentino. “This parade is more than just a commemoration of our department’s history; it’s a heartfelt thank you to our community for their unwavering support.”
New Hackensack Fire Chief Ray Valentin commended the members and volunteers who have made their anniversary celebration a success, including the carnival that runs through Sunday, June 9. “This is a tight-knit community that has stepped up to make this weekend an enormous success. The number of departments that arrived to participate in the parade was overwhelming and they really helped us put a great parade together,” he said, adding “It is an honor and a privilege to serve as chief of this department.”
Town Supervisor Joseph Cavaccini rode in the parade, returned to town hall to officiate a wedding, and then returned for the awards ceremony and fireworks. “The volunteers in this department are willing to drop whatever they are doing to come to the aid of a neighbor in need. I am honored to work with Chief Valentin and the entire membership to help them in helping others.”
Information on the celebration including a car show on Sunday can be found here.
A longer video of the parade will be produced at a later date. Photos are below.
