Manor’s SCVFA fete reigns

Proud firefighters ignore weather, honor service

By Manor Ink Staff

Livingston Manor, NY – The forecast was for inclement weather, and by 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, a steady rain was indeed falling. But the spirits of the county’s first responders were not dampened.

The annual Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters Association Parade, the 95th such procession, was this year hosted by the Livingston Manor Fire Department. The LMFD organized the two-day event for a total of 44 fire departments, three ambulance corps and contingents from the county Sheriff’s Dept. and the NY State Police. The 90-minute march in a steady rain, featuring three bands, moved down Main Street from Rock Avenue to the reviewing stand at the corner of Pearl Street.

Despite the soggy conditions, large crowds of well-wishers lined both sides of the street, cheering the firefighters as they passed. Following the parade, music and refreshments were provided for paraders and their families at the Manor Firehouse, and award presentations were made in a variety of categories.

A gallery of photos from the 2024 SCVFA Mardi Gras and Parade.

Parade-goers offer praise

By Erick Slattery | Manor Ink

Livingston Manor, NY – Firefighters risk their lives a lot of the time to keep our community safe. They do some of the hardest jobs and continue to do them with care and consideration for our community. A lot of the time we take for granted what firefighters do for us, working incredibly hard for our protection. Our firefighters perform jobs anywhere from battling fires to aiding in search parties.

On Sept. 7, Livingston Manor had the honor of hosting this year’s 95th Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters Association Parade. Even though it was raining, many fire departments from Sullivan County and other parts of New York, including Bethpage, Long Island, came to show their commitment to the community while marching through the downpour.

The annual parade was filled with many memorable features, such as drums, kilts, bagpipes and flashing lights. These, combined with support from the crowd in the form of clapping and cheering, really lit up the small town.

Youngsters offer praise, too

“The fire trucks were my favorite part,” said seven-year-old Kateri. She then added, “The fire department helps us every day.” Even the younger members of the community understand the value of firefighters and all they do for those they serve, no matter the age of the citizen.

Even though firefighters do a lot for us every day, department cadets also deserve our appreciation. They help speed the process of keeping us safe, and the Livingston Manor Fire Department has a very strong cadet program. Cadet applicants must be fourteen, but don’t need to be CPR-certified because a class in that skill is offered through the department.

When a fire alarm goes off, cadets help load equipment onto the trucks so firefighters can get out as fast as they can. They also often go on calls with the department. Even though they’re still in school, cadets dedicate much time to volunteering and helping whenever they can. Being a cadet has so much more to it than anyone could imagine.

“It’s about how everyone is like a family here” said 14-year-old Charles Weickum, explaining what he most enjoys about being a cadet with the department. One of the firefighters added that in order to become a firefighter, candidates need to pass a background check along with a physical. And what does he like about being a member of the fire department? “The brotherhood and the family system is great,” the firefighter said.

Pride and gratitude

As a community, we should thank our local fire departments every day for responding to any emergency at any time. Firefighters are on call 24/7, no matter the case and no matter the place. Community members should take pride in their fire departments, men and women who serve their fellow citizens. When passing by our departments, we should acknowledge and respect all the people inside who do their best to keep us safe.