Local fire departments participate in Battalion parade

The Nassau County Fourth Battalion, which consists of fire departments in Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Malverne, Rockville Centre and Lakeview, recently held its annual parade and invitational old-fashioned tournament.

Lakeview hosted this year’s festivities, which kicked off with the old-fashioned drill competition on Friday, Sept. 6. The tournament tests the skill, endurance and teamwork of volunteer firefighters as they compete in a series of races. Each race is broken into three categories — ladder, hose and bucket brigade. The winners are determined based on their overall time.

This year, the Rockville Centre Reliance Hose Company No. 3 “Bulldogs” took home the trophy with 10 points overall, tying with the Inwood/Meadowmere “Mud Ducks” for first place. Firefighters with the Third Battalion North secured third-place with eight points, while the Lakeview Fire Department finished fourth with seven points. The East Rockaway Fire Department rounded out the competition with one point.

The two-day event continued on Saturday, Sept. 7, with the annual Fourth Battalion Parade through the streets of Lakeview. A brief, yet torrential downpour would not dampen the spirit of participants as they set off down the parade route. Paradegoers returned outside once the skies clear, eagerly waving and cheering as the procession of fire companies, marching bands and antique fire engines continued down Woodfield Road.

During the parade, a panel of judges carefully evaluated members of participating departments based on the overall appearance of department members, the condition and presentation of the department’s vehicles and the uniformity of their formations. This year, members of the Rockville Centre Fire Department earned the top prize for best overall appearance.

Following the parade, everyone was invited back to the Lakeview Fire Department headquarters where the celebration continued with live music, food and drink. It was also a chance for both firefighters and civilians alike to unwind and relax after a long weekend. The celebration not only honored and recognized the efforts of local volunteer firefighters, it brought together friends, families and neighbors from surrounding communities making it a memorable occasion for everyone involved.