July 6, 2006

Fire departments bring home hardware at parade

Two town fire departments came out in star-studded fashion at a firemen’s parade in Westcheser County on Thursday, June 29. The Darien and Noroton departments won a combined total of 12 trophies, including Darien taking home the best overall award, given to the best department in attendance.

Darien and Noroton joined more than 50 tri-state fire departments at the parade, which was held in Mamaroneck, N.Y. Darien won six other trophies to go along with the best overall department and Noroton won five trophies.

Darien also won trophies for best tanker, 3rd best tower ladder, best pumper 10 years or older, best non-regulation out-of-state uniform, best ladies auxiliary and most ladies auxiliary.

“The Darien Fire Department represented themselves in a highly professional manner as shown at the end of the night when the last trophy (for best overall department) was announced. Taking home seven trophies is extremely prestigious,” Darien Lt. Shane Smith told The Darien Times.

Noroton won trophies for best appearing out-of-state engine under 10 years, best drum major, best appearing out-of-state hook and ladder, second best drum and bag pipe band and best appearing out-of-state regulation uniform.

“We like going to it every year, it’s a nice parade and a fun time,” Noroton Chief Mike Vitti told The Darien Times. “We’ve been going for about 20 years now and we had a great time at this one.”

The parade was judged on cleanliness of trucks, neatness of uniforms and firefighters in line of march.

© Copyright 2006 by Hersam Acorn newspapers