Deptford Fire Department Wins President Cup Trophy

DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP – On September 16 the New Jersey State Firemen's Relief Association’s annual convention occurred in conjunction with the Firemen’s Memorial Parade in Wildwood New Jersey. Deptford Fire Department won Best Appearing Overall Fire Department Marching and Apparatus, also known as the President’s Cup, the most esteemed trophy awarded at the convention and numerous other awards.

While Deptford Fire Department Relief Association delegate firefighters are required to attend the convention, the memorial parade is an event all fire companies and departments in the state are invited to participate in. The parade is a 2-mile march and friendly competition including categories such as fire apparatus, uniform, band and marching.

The department was proud to win:

· Best Appearing Gloucester County Apparatus: Brush Truck 925

· Best Appearing Fire Explorer Post: Deptford Fire Department

· Best Appearing Command Vehicle 1st place: Command 930

· Best Appearing Marching Color Guard 2nd Place: Deptford Fire Department

· Best Appearing Antique (1960's): Almonesson Lake Fire Company (Deptford Fire Department)

· Best Appearing Brush Truck: Brush Truck 925

· Best Appearing Utility Type Vehicle 2nd Place: Quick Attack 937

· Best Appearing Engine (16 to 25 years old): Engine 923

· Best Appearing Engine (6 to 15 years old): 1st place Engine 932, 2nd Place Engine 933

· Best Appearing Ladder Tower: Ladder Tower 926

· Best Appearing Pipe and Drums Band: Jersey Devils Pipe Band (Hired by Deptford Fire Department)

· Best Appearing Fire Department Overall Apparatus (William Carney Award): Deptford Fire Department

· Best Appearing Fire Department with Music: Deptford Fire Department

Overall Deptford Fire Department took home 16 trophies this year.

“Starting in July, we put in hours and hours of hard work to get apparatus ready and practice marching in the parade,” said Deptford Fire Department Battalion Chief Rick Thomas. “With direct support from Deptford Board of Fire Commissioners, we are able to put time and effort into maintaining fire apparatus and equipment, resulting in awards.”

Deptford Fire Department prides itself on hard work and commitment to ensuring equipment and apparatus is above and beyond standard. Residents can count on the fire department to be there in their time of need.

Deptford Fire Department is currently seeking volunteers to help with maintaining state-of-the-art apparatus and responding to emergency calls. Those interested in joining a dedicated team and learning new skills can sign up to volunteer by visiting www.deptfordfd.org and filling up an inquiry form.