Orange County Volunteer Firemen's Parade in Washingtonville - Dozens of America's Finest Firefighter Companies Annual Collective Show for the Region
Storm King Engine Company of Cornwall-on-Hudson enters the Village Center of Washingtonville
The Village of Washingtonville rose to the occasion of a spectacular parade, in spite of days of warnings that a Nor'easter could be coming our way. Engine Companies from near and far braved the threats of downpours and possible flooding to come and celebrated the bravery and professionalism of our area's Volunteer firefighters. Here for their Annual Convention and Parade, the sun occasionally tried to peek through the clouds. Their giant firetrucks gleamed like polished copper, and every uniform was starched to perfection. How far did they come? Here in the Southeast Corner of Orange County, Fire Companies came from Valley Stream, Long Island and Monticello (about an hour Northwest). Other Companies came from Greenwood Lake, the Town of Newburgh, City of Newburgh, Highland Falls, Chester, Goshen and about a dozen more towns in the area. While there was a downpour in early morning there was only 2 short scattered showers during the day lasting about 15 minutes. It seemed like a special dispensation from above, given the tremendously hard work that the participants had put in during the year, both fighting fires and preparing for this parade. The synchronization of that many vehicles and people seems like a lot, but this strong brotherhood of companies stepped up to the plate, resulting in a day that was flawless.
The Washingtonville and surrounding population also stepped up to the plate. Villagers are true parade lovers and came well-prepared in case the weather got gnarly, and many saluted each Fire Company as they marched in perfect step.
A Pipe and Drum Group, Trumpets belting out patriotic songs, including a troop of trumpeteers that filled the air with a rendition of of the Battle Hymn of the Republic's "Glory, Glory, Hallelujia" brought goosebumps to many.
Of the Fire Companies that attended, Mechanicstown won the top overall prize for their massive yellow firetruck
This Mechanicstown massive truck was the overall winner.
Bagpipes and Drum Corps
One of the highlights for many viewers was the beautiful display of Monell Engine Company's awards...which brought a lot of "Wow's" from the onlookers.
Marching behind the display were Blooming Grove Town Supervisor,
Rob Jeroloman, and Councilman John Byrnes, still marching at a brisk pace as the Parade made the final turn from Ahern to Route 94 and East Main Street and then left on Depot Street to Mays Field.
Meanwhile, Deputy Supervisor Cathy Gregg-Acevedo was keeping an eye on road safety, a top priority of hers, and Wayne Kirkpatrick, Highway Superintendent, assisted with monitoring the progression of the Fire Companies.
Kirkpatrick, was, as usual, juggling a big armful of varied responsibilities including overall safety of the scene and coordination of the procession between the several dozens of participants and letting the Announcer know when the next group was ready. He also placed a massive highway truck at the entrance to the main intersection and worked with police to close all surrounding roads during the procession.
And, of course OCVFA President, Tom Lynn (who is also Vice President of Monell Engine Company) spent many hours making sure this would be a success holding multiple meetings with Jim Skelly and both Town and Village officials to coordinate the arrival of the hundreds of participants.
OCVFA President and Vice President of Monell Enging Company, Tom Lynn with Jim Skelly in a Blooming Grove Town Board Meeting, back in October of 2025, already working on preparations for this Parade.
The Parade watchers were three and sometimes four-deep along East Main Street, and even up on the roof of the historic "Trophies & More" building, Many brought small children (and a group of the children had so much fun playing with a family of new puppies).
One couple had a row of matching chairs with a drapelike overhang in case the rain came. They were hoping to see their grandson who was marching with the Monroe Fire Department for the first time. The really heavy rains did not come this far West, but the threat still lingers for more rain, sometimes heavy, for Sunday and Monday.
Anyone who has young sons knows that a Parade is all about the Fire Trucks. And wow, did they ever have some winners. Several beautiful old trucks were from the 1940's. Others were nearly brand new and covered about half of a street block.
Check back with us tomorrow when I will have some more of the trucks,
award winners, and processions up, hopefully along with several videos still being edited.
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