Annual Northern Valley Fire Chiefs parade heralds Fire Prevention Week

Screen shot 2018-10-16 at 11.22.36 AM — Old Tappan hosted the 64th annual Northern Valley Fire Chiefs Parade on Oct. 7. Pictured, clockwise from left: The Old Tappan Volunteer Fire Department Color Guard; the Ladies Auxiliary of the Old Tappan Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1; and young supporters wave American flags showing support for the community volunteers. | Photos by Murray Bass

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BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS

OLD TAPPAN, N.J.—Hundreds of residents lined the streets of Old Tappan on Sunday, Oct. 7 for the 64th Annual Northern Valley Fire Chiefs Parade. The event featured volunteer firefighters from 20 departments throughout the region, showing off fire apparatus, rescue equipment, and floats highlighting fire prevention themes.

The Old Tappan Fire Department played host for this year’s event, which also serves as the annual kick-off for Fire Prevention Week.

“This parade lets the public see their volunteer fire departments and all their equipment, and realize that all these volunteers do this on their own time without pay,” said Bill Auth, a spokesman for Old Tappan’s Fire Department.

Families from around the Northern Valley came to show their support. | Photo by Murray Bass

Auth said Fire Prevention Week’s theme for 2018 is “Look, Listen, Learn.”

“You look at your surroundings, listen for alarms, and learn by reading fire prevention materials that are being passed out by local departments,” said Auth.

While Old Tappan was hosting the annual parade, Auth said Saddle River’s volunteer fire department had the town covered and responded to an alarm while backing up the local squad.

Auth said the towns cooperate extensively with each other and back each other up in responding to fire emergencies. Volunteer firefighters must undergo six months of training at the Bergen County Fire Academy before becoming an on-call firefighter for an area town, said Auth.

He said the department would appreciate any able-bodied person interested in joining.

“They should contact their local volunteer department for more information. We’re always looking for volunteers,” Auth said.

In addition to hundreds of Old Tappan residents and visitors, many public officials from neighboring communities watched the parade to show appreciation for the volunteer firefighters.

This historic fire truck rolled through the parade courtesy of the Demarest Volunteer Fire Department. | Photo by Murray Bass

Old Tappan Fire Chief Dave Keil expressed appreciation for ongoing support from the mayor, council, and department of public works for their parade-related efforts and assistance.

Auth said he presented trophies for best marching unit, best ladder company and best engine company at the event. He said the local department includes 50 members, including junior firefighters (ages 15-17) who assist with department-based duties and responsibilities but do not respond to calls.