Valley Stream Highlights: Nassau County’s largest firefighter parade 2024
Last weekend, the Village of Valley Stream played host to the largest firefighter parade in Nassau County. Spectators cheered as over 40 local and visiting fire departments, 20 marching bands, and over 130 fire vehicles participated in the grand display.
The procession kicked off at East Dover Avenue, with over one thousand firefighters marching and saluting their way through the village before concluding at the Village Green.
The annual Nassau County Firefighters Parade is a long-cherished tradition, fostering camaraderie and community among fire servicemen and women, with a touch of healthy competition.
This year, the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes & Drums, representing Valley Stream, won the third-place trophy for the best musical unit, while the Freeport Fire Department was named the overall performance champion.
“These parades have been a tradition in the volunteer fire service since its inception,” said Valley Stream Fire Department media liaison Brian Grogan. “Fire Departments from all over Nassau County came to march through the streets of Valley Stream and be judged by Nassau County Parade and Drill officials.”
The roughly 120-year tradition coincided with the celebration of the Valley Stream Fire Department’s own historic milestone: the 100th anniversary of Engine No. 4. Additionally, a post-parade party featuring a lively concert by “Decadia” provided a final burst of excitement to the festivities.
