Fire Department Ceremony Kicks Off Festivities

Independence Day festivities here kicked off early Saturday morning at Firehouse Plaza. 

At 9:15 a.m., the sound of a lone bugle horn filled the air as members of the Whippany VFW raised the American flag on a pole before a gathering of onlookers and five borough fire squads.

After welcoming the crowd of spectators and participants alike, Fire Chief Peter Glogolich asked for a moment of silence to honor past members of the squad who had died in the last year. The day's activities were dedicated to those named—Phil Bliss, Bob Allen, and Father Edward Hinds. 

Glogolich extended his thanks to parade Grand Marshal Don Tracy, who has held various positions within the department since the beginning of his career. Tracy, who was standing in the lineup with his squad, graciously received the accolades and applause.

Mayor Nelson Vaughan proceeded to take the microphone. He invoked the Declaration of Independence and the words of Thomas Jefferson as he reminded the crowd our nation was created 234 years ago.

He concluded his short and sweet address with a patriotic nod toward the future.

"Two-hundred and thirty-four years and still counting," he said. "God bless America."

Vaughan and borough council members then went on to formally inspect the members of the fire department. The two men scrutinized each of the five Chatham squads that were present and ended the inspection with a friendly handshake.

To bring the ceremony to its conclusion, Vaughan took the stage one last time.

"Chief, they're in order, and they look terrific," he said. "Carry on."

The squads and crowd were dismissed and the members of the fire department prepared to lead the borough Independence Day parade, which began soon afterward.

See photos and an article from Saturday's Fourth of July parade here and here, respectively.

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the name of Father Edward Hinds.