Local News
Port Jervis Parade Draws Cheers and Applause
By Sharon E. Siegel
Jul 18, 2008, 15:52 PST

Port Jervis Fire Department’s 158th Annual Inspection Day Parade continued one of the country's longest continuous parades on July 12, 2008, and was a huge hit as always among the hundreds of spectators that lined the city’s historic parade route. New to the ever-popular parade this year was a delegation of ambulances and ambulance personnel from around the region, something parade organizer PJFD Secretary Richard Drew hopes will become a regular feature.

“It’s nice to thank all of the emergency volunteers that are there for the people throughout the year,” said Drew. “We just thought it would be nice to include the ambulance volunteers along with all of the others we pay tribute to each year.”

This year’s nine-division parade was hosted on an absolutely perfect summer day and was led by PJFD’s Neversink Engine Co. No. 1. Long-time company members/co-grand marshals Lawrence Murray and James Reilly led in escort vehicles at their company’s lead.

Following the parade, trophies were awarded in front of the Port Jervis Fire Museum on Orange Street. Several special awards were presented along with the following trophies listed by category, sponsor, and recipient:

Tallman Fire Department received trophies for Best Overall Company and 2nd Best Overall Ladies Auxiliary

Best Overall Company (PJFD Neversink Engine Company No. 1): Tallman Fire Department

Best Fire Chief’s Car (Terri & John DeVore in memory of Past PJFD Chief Donald E. DeVore, Jr.): Pine Island Fire Department

Company Farthest Traveled (In Memory of George Mills, Sr.): Choconut Center Fire Department

Best Non-Regulation Color Guard (PJFD Fowler Reescue and Salvage Company No. 3 & Tri-States Hose Company No. 6): Orange County Sheriff’s Office

Best Ambulance (PJFD Fowler Rescue and Salvage Company No. 3): Pine Island Ambulance

Second Best Ambulance (PJFD Delaware Engine Company No. 2): Sussex Ambulance