Warwick welcomes firefighters from near and far

WARWICK — Crowds of spectators lined Oakland Avenue and Main Street on Saturday evening, July 14, awaiting the bi-annual Firemen's parade sponsored by the Warwick Fire Department.

The parade stepped off at 6 p.m. on Forester Avenue near Wadeson’s Home Center.

The almost two-hour event featured volunteer firefighters, marching bands, bag pipers and equipment from 27 communities near and far.

Following a longtime tradition, this year’s parade honored outgoing Warwick Fire Department Chief Dan Schweikart.

Led by Grand Marshall Wayne Stevens and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard the marchers and the firefighting apparatus, new and old, proceeded via Park Lane to Galloway Road, on to Main Street and past the reviewing stand outside Village Hall.

A tractor parade, which has been a tradition at Warwick’s bi-annual firemen’s parade, followed.

The participants then headed back to Forester Avenue and Station 1 where there was a celebration and trophy awards ceremony.

“I would like to thank everyone for attending our parade,” Schweikart said. “I would also like to thank all the departments who participated, our citizens and local businesses and the officers and members of the Warwick Fire Department as well as those who served on the parade committee. There is not a finer organization of men and women and I am proud to serve as their chief.”

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 Street while Engine Co. No. 3 is housed at Station Three on South Street Extension.

Each company has its own line officers as well as civil officers.

Award winners Local companies that won trophies were:

Best Appearing Color Guard, third place: Florida

Best Appearing Non-Regulation Uniform, more than 16 members, second place: Florida

Best Appearing Non-Regulation Uniform, more than 16 members, first place: Pine Island

Best Appearing Regulation Uniform, under 16 members, second place: Greenwood Lake

Best Appearing Ambulance: Pine Island

Best Antique Fire Truck: Chester

Best Appearing Chief’s Car: Greenwood Lake

Best Appearing Engine, third place: Goshen

Best Appearing Engine, first place: Greenwood Lake

Best Overall Apparatus: Pine Island