1,000 firefighters expected at drill competition, parade

West Hempstead FD will co-host event, Aug. 19

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Fifty fire departments and more than 1,000 volunteer firefighters throughout New York state are expected to compete in the annual New York State Championship Drill, which is being hosted by the West Hempstead and Hempstead Fire Departments and will take place Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Chief Brian Fahey Training Facility on Weir Street in Hempstead.

“The drills are made up of eight different events involving fire tactics,” West Hempstead Fire Department Captain Andrew Brohm said. “The firefighters compete against each other and are running against the clock.” The competitions are geared towards honing firefighting skills, fostering teamwork, commitment, and physical conditioning.

The event, which is open to the public, is expected to draw more than 3,000 people, Brohm said. Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit the two hosting fire departments. The drills are expected to end about 7 p.m. Food and other vendors and attractions will be available. For further information, go to www.nydrillteams.com.

The New York State Championship Parade will be held the following day, Sunday, Aug. 20, starting at 1:00 pm. More than 75 fire departments are expected to participate.

The parade will begin on Jerusalem Ave. in Hempstead and end near the Chief Brian Fahey Training Facility on Weir Street, also in Hempstead.

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