Warwick Firemen's bi-annual Parade featured 26 companies
WARWICK — There was a good turnout of spectators lined up along Oakland Avenue and Main Street on Saturday evening, June 10.
They were eagerly awaiting the bi-annual Firemen's Parade sponsored by the Warwick Fire Department.
The parade, which stepped off at 6 p.m., began at Park Avenue, then to South Street to Clinton Avenue to Linden Place where the procession turned up Oakland Avenue and Main Street past the reviewing stand outside the Warwick Village Hall and ending at Warwick Fire Station 1 on Church Street Extension.
It was an almost two-hour event and featured volunteer firefighters, marching bands, bag pipers and equipment from 26 communities near and far.
The Warwick Fire Department contingent led the parade with its Color Guard and Chief Jason Brasier.
This year's parade honored the late Jeff Schadt, who had served as president of the Warwick Fire Department and as parade chair.
The Grand Marshall was Robert Lemin, a member of Goodwill Hook and Ladder Company No. 1
Division Marshals for this parade were Daniel Schweikart, Joe Smith Sr., Joe Nuara and Charles Kittner Jr.
The Warwick Fire Department is comprised of four fire companies and is headquartered in Station One on Church Street, home to Excelsior Hose Co. No. 1 and Goodwill Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1. Raymond Hose Co. No. 2 is quartered in Station Two on West St. while Engine Co. No. 3 is housed at Station Three on South St. Extension. Each company has its own line officers as well as civil officers.
- Roger Gavan