ALPINE, N.J.—Firefighters from throughout the Northern Valley will participate in a series of “Chiefs’ Challenge” games following the 65th annual Northern Valley Fire Chiefs’ Parade to be held on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Alpine.
The Fire Chiefs’ Parade is an annual tradition in Northern Valley with hundreds of volunteer firefighters and up to a couple dozen fire departments exhibiting modern and old-time fire apparatus and equipment. This includes hook and ladder trucks, pumpers, rescue equipment, and floats highlighting fire prevention.
The parade often kicks off National Fire Prevention Week in October, but this year concludes the week. The 2019 theme for the week: “Not every hero wears a cape: Plan and practice your escape.”
Alpine Fire Chief Kyle Khorozian said he hopes this year’s firefighter challenge games, scheduled to begin after the parade, will be a new feature to draw more families and area residents to the parade to view the games of skill undertaken by volunteer firefighters.
‘The first year’
“This is the first year we’re doing it,” said Khorozian of the firefighter challenge games.
“You see us marching down the street, but you don’t see the skills that we have. To drum up the awareness that we’re all volunteers here and to show the public the skills involved in what we do, we’re putting on the games. We hope the games will be more of a draw as well as a great family event,” said the chief.
Khorozian said the idea of challenge games for firefighters had been discussed for years and he was glad the games would finally take place.
He said the parade, which runs mostly on Church Street, will offer many opportunities for viewing and a reviewing stand will be set up for public officials.
Khorozian noted the challenge contests will include teams of firefighters from all towns, on tasks ranging from a hose drag, ladder climb, and pike pole javelin throw. The winning team will be the team with the most points. In the event of a tie, a “sudden death” game of hose drag will come into play, winner takes all.
Other challenge tasks may also be included, he said.
Khorozian said none of the challenge tasks are easy and often require a team of firefighters to complete successfully.
Every year, a different Northern Valley town hosts the annual parade, which is an opportunity for area fire departments to show off vehicles, equipment and volunteers.
He said he was a fan of a Junior Fire Academy to get interested potential firefighters involved early in volunteer firefighting activities.
Oct. 13: Mark the date
The chief urged area residents to mark the date on calendars, noting free food and drink would be available after the parade, including hot dogs, soda and bottled water.
Khorozian said most departments are always interested in residents who want to volunteer for fire department service. He said interested residents should contact their local volunteer fire departments for more information.
Khorozian said residents who want to volunteer must attend the fire academy, generally two nights a week for six months to qualify as a certified firefighter.