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As the days of
spring begin to lengthen and warm signifying the approach of summer,
it is a reminder that parade season is right around the corner. Throughout
the summer, many departments hold parades in conjunction with
carnivals, as these have commonly served as a means by which
volunteer fire companies have raised their much needed funding.
Summer, carnivals, parades and the volunteer fire service go
hand-in-hand, and are a much anticipated tradition in many towns
not only by the towns people, but with the firefighters as well.
Many parades are
judged and departments vie to be the sharpest in the procession.
That means time to wash and wax the apparatus and pull out the
Class A uniform. Parades are also a great time to catch-up with
fellow firefighters that you know from other towns, maybe from
having attended classes with them at the fire academy.
Although the
Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company no longer holds its carnival and
associated parade, Fire Company members and apparatus do
participate in several of the parades held by departments
throughout the area. The parade in East Hartland is always
favorite among Simsbury's firefighters
and after marching, members linger to socialize with fellow
firefighters, enjoy the carnival with their families, and
hopefully take a trophy or two back home to the department.
Don Rust of Lost Acres and cousin Jared McDonald of Simsbury. Three generations of Rusts and McDonalds have served these companies.
Cliff Williams Simsbury's family traditions run deep. Lt. Jason Gilbert and his uncle Ken Beliveau who serves as a Fire Company photographer.
Cliff Williams Chief James Baldis asks for a radio check. The Motorola radio is almost as much of an antique as Engine 1 itself.
Cliff Williams Long-time member of East Hartland Chip Griffin talks with fellow firefighters before the parade.
Cliff Williams Junior Firefighters Joseph Tuller and Jason Loftus chat before line-up.
Cliff Williams Chief James Baldis prepares to drive Engine 1 in the parade.
Cliff Williams At the wheel of Tanker 9 is its Engineer Chris Vervaert.
Cliff Williams Simsbury's contingent steps-off from the staging area.
Ken Beliveau Blue Hills Lieutenant Steve Vernali and Lost Acres Firefighter and Simsbury Dispatcher Lorraine Morelli.
Cliff Williams Past Simsbury member, local fire buff photographer and occasional contributor to our website, Chris Gordon.
Cliff Williams East Hartland celebrated their 60th anniversary this year. Company members hustle in the food booth to serve their many customers.
Cliff Williams Lieutenant Todd Kelley and Aiden Brown accept the trophy for Best in Coats.
Cliff Williams It won't be long before Aiden Brown fits in that coat or joins the ranks of the Junior Firefighters.
Cliff Williams
Don Rust of Lost Acres and cousin Jared McDonald of Simsbury. Three generations of Rusts and McDonalds have served these companies.
Cliff Williams
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