Volunteer Firefighters Get Set For Convention, Parade

Representatives of Rockland’s 26 all-volunteer fire departments meet Friday in Pomona for the Rockland County Volunteer Firemen’s Association’s 99^th annual convention.

The parade is a prelude to Saturday’s county fire parade, which this year is hosted by Spring Valley’s Columbian Fire Engine Co. No. 1 in honor of its 150^th anniversary. The engine company is also the official host for the county convention, which starts 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona.

The convention, which includes the election of the organization’s officers, includes awards that recognize special efforts of the county’s volunteer firefighters.

At the convention, Frank Voce of the Congers Fire Department is running unopposed for re-election as association president.  Paul Schlegel of the Stony Point Fire Department is the lone nominee for reelection as first vice president as is John Intrieri of the West Haverstraw Fire Department for second VP.

The rest of the unopposed slate is John Kryger, corresponding secretary; Bruce McClintock, recording secretary; Robert Capello, financial secretary; and Mike Kramar, treasurer.

The convention includes the awarding of the Firefighter of the Year award and the annual Liberty Mutual Insurance Fire Mark award for excellence in fire prevention.

The Rockland County Fire Instructors’ Association will present its two Lt. Andrew Fredericks Memorial scholarships as well.

A memorial service will also be held for all association members who have died since the last convention, and life membership and longevity certificates will be distributed to 25 and 50-year association members.

The convention parade in Spring Valley steps off at 2 p.m. on Saturday. It starts in front of 200 N. Main St., heading south on Main Street to Maple Avenue, West on Maple Avenue to West Street; south on West Street and ending at the corner of West Street and West Central Avenue. The reviewing stand is in front of Columbian Fire Engine Co. No. 1 on West Street.