|
December 1, 2001
- The fire company has always been a big part of the
annual Manassas Christmas Parade. After the events
of 9/11, the company decided to do something special
for the 2001 festivities. Firefighter Joe Donoughue,
who is well connected with the New York City Fire
Department, and city employee Vicki Kendrick, an
Administrative Specialist, contacted the men of
Engine 243 and Ladder 168 in Brooklyn and asked them
if they would like to participate in the holiday
festivities in Manassas. The members of the FDNY
very graciously accepted the invitation.
On Friday November 31st, seven New York
City Firefighters hopped in an RV, while another
five firefighters carpooled to Manassas. Those
that made the trip included Paul Adamski, Ricky
Brown, Joe Dudley, Jim McCue, Trevor McNiece, Brian
Mooney, Jon Pessalano, Steve Pjura, Dan Quirke,
Billy Roesch, Joe Stojanovic, and Jim Tracy. They
arrived early Friday evening and went to City Hall
where they received a key to city from Mayor Gillum.
Then they participated in the Christmas tree
lighting ceremony that was conducted at the Manassas
City Museum. A large crowd was present to witness
the event. The rest of the evening was spent
socializing with the members of the Manassas
Volunteer Fire Company at the City Tavern where the
Chief had reserved the outside deck till closing
time.
On the morning of December 1st, a special
breakfast was held at the firehouse prior to the
Annual Christmas Parade. The meal was prepared by
the Ladies Auxiliary for the Manassas Volunteers and
their guests, the FDNY firefighters and EMS
personnel, and NYPD officers. During the breakfast,
Manassas City Mayor Gillium presented each of the
three groups a certificate, giving special thanks
for their services performed during the terrorist
attacks.
After the breakfast, the Fire
Company took a moment to take a photograph with
their guests. They posed in front of retired Engine
1-1, which is what the men from
New York rode on during the parade. As the parade
stepped of the crowd reaction was incredible. The
men greeted the crowd along the parade route as
honorary Parade Marshals. Once they arrived at the
judge’s stand they stepped down from Engine 1-1 and
watched the rest of the parade from their VIP
seats. The Manassas Volunteer Fire Company had a
tremendous showing in the parade. With the
exception of Foam-1, all of the apparatus in the
station, which includes Engine 1, Engine 1-1, Engine
1-2, Wagon 1, Tower 1, Attack 1, Spill 1, and Chief
1 were in the parade and staffed. The citizens of
Manassas and the surrounding areas greeted the fire
company along the parade route with much
appreciation. There was an awesome showing of
support for the volunteer from Manassas that was at
times was very overwhelming. Chills could be felt
by many of the firefighters riding the apparatus
through the parade. The entire event was filled
with great moments giving the firefighters a
tremendous feeling of both pride and patriotism. It
was truly an honor to have these men ride with us
during the parade, it was the least we could do to
thank them for their selfless acts and not
hesitating in the face of ultimate danger.
|
