Warwick's Biennial Fire Department Parade held Saturday, July 1

Warwick - On late Saturday afternoon, downtown Warwick was a sea of American flags waved by a large number of local residents who eagerly crowded the streets. They were awaiting the biennial parade sponsored by the Warwick Fire Department. Shortly after 4 p.m., members of the Warwick and visiting fire departments along with their bright and shiny fire apparatus, new and old, moved out behind the United States Military Academy Color Guard followed by the parade’s grand marshal, past Fire Commissioner Frank Cassanite Jr. The parade then headed down Oakland Avenue to Main Street, past a reviewing stand and on to Veterans Memorial Park. The festivities, which included the awarding of numerous trophies, concluded at the park with a fireworks display. Before the parade, businesses had decorated their storefronts with displays welcoming the firefighters, many of whom traveled long distances to participate in the event. Firefighters and guest bands from approximately 30 communities as far away as Long Island marched with the Warwick divisions. “I would like to thank everyone for attending our parade,” said Warwick Fire Department Chief Frank C. Corkum Jr. “I would also like to thank the officers and members of the Warwick Fire Department for their support as well as all those who served on the parade committee. There is not a finer organization of men and women anywhere and I am proud to be your chief.”