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Centennial celebration is great day for Totowa Fire Dept.
(by Tom Boud - June 30, 2008)
On June 21, the Totowa Fire Department held its 100th anniversary celebration parade.
An hour-long procession traveled up Union Boulevard from Shepherds Lane past a Crews Street reviewing stand. The route ended behind Washington Park School, where a picnic took place afterwards, running into the evening featuring food, music and inflatable rides for children.
The parade featured 85 trucks, 25 cars, six bands and two floats. Fire departments both near and far turned out, with the furthest department being from Seaford, Long Island, N.Y. Police Chief Robert Coyle served as parade announcer.
The Totowa Fire Department marched with the New York Skyliners Drum and Bugle Corps, and a float filled by senior firefighters. The department also fielded several antique engines, including a 1926 American LaFrance Chemical Fire Truck.
Fire Chief Vincent Marciano hailed the fire department's centennial bash as "a great day."
"It's a very proud day for Totowa. It's a very special day." He also thanked the parade committee and all participants for making the special occasion reality.
Mario Gaita, Totowa Fire Company No. 1 president, said it felt "great" to march in the historic parade, with the Totowa Fire Department honor guard.
"I carried an American flag. It was a great honor. It was great to hear all the support from the people. The people showing their appreciation for all the service the guys put in over the years. The guys dedication means a lot, and over 100 years of volunteer service. All the time that goes into the drills. Time away from their family. Waking up in the middle of the night."
Council President Hughie Vickerilla said the department has many devoted individuals.
"Some of the members are 50 years on the department, and they're still as active as they can be. We can be thankful for having a fire department as dedicated as they are, because, believe me, they save the taxpayers a lot of money."
Coiro also commented while circulating around grounds.
"This is a nice day to be mayor. You get to see all the volunteers from this town and the surrounding communities. It's always nice when you have a community event and bring people together."
Kevin Walsh, Totowa Fire Department president, said an 18 firefighter committee - with 12 core regular members - worked for about two years on 100th anniversary bash arrangements.
Walsh said the parade and picnic both fared well.
"Everybody works well together. It's great we have a wonderful day. The crowd is good. The weather is fine. It feels great to see it successful like this."
The president said, over the years, countless volunteer hours were spent between the fire department's inception and the century hallmark.
"That's a long time to make 100 years. Most of these guys put in the time, every single day. We got guys that no matter what, they are there, and those are the guys that should be recognized. Those who make the alarms regularly, and they're not as many as them, as they used to be."
Many citizens had favorable remarks about the parade and picnic. One of them was Ed Benedict of Totowa, who said the festivities marked a fitting tribute for the fire department.
"I just think it's great that we have an active fire department that has been around 100 years."
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