PORT JERVIS, NY -- Port Jervis Fire Department’s annual Inspection Day Parade, believed to be the oldest continuous fireman’s parade in the United States, kicked off for the 171st time this summer. The parade is a celebration of the efforts of firefighters and others who put in countless hours in training and emergency responses throughout each year.

The eight-division parade featured and escort division of city officials, a special salute and spotlight on veterans, and four PJFD Grand Marshals with many decades of service. The Grand Marshals were Past Chiefs Dominic Cicalese (25-years) and James Rohner (54-years) and fellow firefighters David Mills (53-years) and Bob Mills (52-years).

Parade Day 2022 was held on a very warm July 9 afternoon. The parade was preceded and followed by activities that day and throughout the week.

A delegation of firefighters and PJFD’s chaplain visited and left flags on local graves of Past Chiefs on Tuesday evening of that week. On Friday evening a Memorial Prayer Ceremony was held at Port Jervis’ Fireman’s Monument on Pike Street. The monument honors and remembers the sacrifices of firefighters killed in the line of duty, including several from Port Jervis. Following this service, inspection of each of the city’s firehouses and apparatus took place, with refreshments and camaraderie shared at each stop.

On Saturday, the approximately two-hour parade delighted spectators that lined the many streets along its parade route. Firetrucks, bands, uniformed firefighting units marching in unison, unique fire apparatus, auxiliaries, police, ambulance, a veteran division, city officials, and department officers and members brought applause as they made their way along the city streets.

Following the parade, a large collection of trophies was distributed in various categories, along with college scholarships for firefighters and eligible families. These were as follows:

Memorial Scholarships
(Given annually to a graduating senior or college student.)

Earl Garrity II: Nathan Van Kleeck
Michelle Innella: Alyssa Olenick
Leo Fleming: Michael Amato
Harold Aughton: Abigail Fuller
Steven Sacco: Brett Fuller
Sparrowbush Past Chief Carl Van W. Horn: Erin Witkowski

Trophies
Second Best Appearing Ambulance: (Sponsored by Delaware Engine Company #2): Westfall

Best Appearing Ambulance: (In memory of John Sigreto): Sussex

Best Appearing Non-Regulation Color Guard: (Sponsored by Tri-States Hose Co. #6) Orange County Sheriff

Company Traveling the Farthest Distance: (Sponsored by OC Legislator Tom Faggione): Roscoe-Rockland

Second Best Appearing Chief Vehicle: (Sponsored by Kean’s Moving & Storage): Suffern

Best Appearing Chief Vehicle: (In Memory of Past Chief Donald “Ozzie” Devore, Jr.): Sparrowbush

Second Best Appearing Apparatus Under 10 Years Old: (Sponsored by Hess’ Store): Sussex

Best Appearing Apparatus Under 10 Years Old: (In memory of Richard Canouse/Pike Co. Fire Federation): Montague

Second Best Appearing Apparatus Over 10 Years Old: (In memory of Fire Inspector Leo Fleming): Westfall

Best Appearing Apparatus Over 10 Years Old: (Sponsored by Past Chief James Rohner, Jr.): Haverstraw

Second Best Appearing Tanker Over 1,800 Gallons: (Sponsored by Court Madonna 114, Catholic Daughters of the Americas): Johnson

Best Appearing Tanker Over 1,800 Gallons: (Sponsored by Len and Jo’s): Branchville

Best Appearing Fire Department Color Guard: (Sponsored by Ben’s Fresh/Port Jervis Pizza): Warwick

Second Best Appearing Rescue Apparatus: (Sponsored by Past Secretary Richard Drew and Barbara): Blooming Grove

Best Appearing Rescue Apparatus: (Sponsored by Double M Vending): Huguenot

Second Best Appearing Aerial Ladder Apparatus: (Sponsored by Millie’s Pooch Parlor): Loch Sheldrake

Best Appearing Aerial Ladder Apparatus: (In memory of William McCann): Scoresby-Ellenville

Second Best Appearing Musical Unit: (Sponsored by PJ Democratic Committee): Hudson Valley Regional Police

Best Appearing Musical Unit: (Sponsored by Past Chief Frank “Petey” Fuller): Franklin Band

Best Appearing Junior Musical Unit: (Sponsored by R&J Autobody): Maybrook Boy Scouts

Second Best Appearing Antique Apparatus (1940 & Over): (Sponsored by Neversink Engine Co. #1): Mountain View-Greenville

Best Appearing Antique Apparatus (1940 & Over): (Sponsored by Past Chief Joseph Kowal, Sr.): Franklin

Second Best Appearing Ladies Auxiliary: (Sponsored by Chef on the Run): Sussex

Best Appearing Ladies Auxiliary: (In Memory of Frank & Ralph Schips): Sparrowbush

Second Best Appearing Apparatus: (Sponsored by PJ Republican Committee): Washington Heights

Best Appearing Apparatus: (In Memory of Past Chief Donald Devore, Sr.): Hillcrest

Second Best Appearing Company in Regulation Uniform: (In Memory of Past Chief Douglas Moore): Hillcrest

Best Appearing Company in Regulation Uniform: (Sponsored by Kowal’s Sealcoating): Franklin

Second Best Appearing Company in Non-Regulation Uniform: (Sponsored by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home): Frankford

Best Appearing Company in Non-Regulation Uniform: (In Memory of Fred & Rick Drew): Scoresby-Ellenville

Second Best Appearing Company with Less Than 25 Firefighters: (Sponsored by Past Chief Jeff Rhoades): Montague

Best Appearing Company with Less Than 25 Firefighters: (Sponsored by Neversink Engine Co. No. 1): Suffern

Most Firefighters in the Line of March: (Sponsored by Gray-Parker Funeral Home): Sussex

Best Overall Company: (Sponsored by Pop’s Trophies): Mechanicstown