Rockville Centre Fire Department sweeps Battalion parade, tourney

The Rockville Centre Fire Department emerged victorious at the annual Nassau County Fourth Battalion Parade and Invitational Tournament, capturing two prestigious first-place trophies.

The two-day event, hosted this year by the Lakeview Fire Department, kicked things off on Friday, Sept. 6, with the old-fashioned drill competition.

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.

Members of the RVCFD Reliance Hose Company No. 3 “Bulldogs” finished the tourney with two of the fastest times in the hose competition, receiving 10 points overall, tying with the Inwood/Meadowmere “Mud Ducks” for first place.

Close behind, the Third Battalion North firefighters from Valley Stream, Hewlett and Woodmere 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 drill tournament highlighted the immense skill and dedication each of the departments take when rushing into a fire.

The festivities 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. Parade goers would quickly rush back outside once the skies cleared, eagerly waving and cheering as the procession of marching bands and antique fire engines passed by:

The battalion, which consists of fire departments from Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, Malverne, East Rockaway, and Lakeview, continued to march down Woodfield Road while a panel of judges carefully evaluated participants based on their appearance and presentation. Judges base their decision on the overall appearance of department members, the condition and presentation of the department’s vehicles, and the uniformity of their formations.

The Rockville Centre Fire Department earned the top prize for best overall appearance, further solidifying their dominance this year.

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.