Ossining Fire Department Holds Annual Parade

The Ossining community came out and lined Croton Avenue on Friday night to celebrate and honor Ossining’s Fire department during their annual fire parade. The parade which started at Melrose Lumber and worked its way down to the river via Croton Avenue featured bands, fire fighters and apparatus from Ossining and surrounding towns from all over from Briarcliff Manor and Tarrytown to Nyack, Pearl River and Lake George. 

“The Ossining fire parade is always a fun night for the families of Ossining. Thanks to all the neighboring Fire Departments who joined OFD in making this parade so special,” said Town Supervisor Catherine Borgia. “Thank you to the brave men and women of the Ossining Volunteer Fire Department for another wonderful fire parade, and for all they do for the community.”

The parade kicked off with the Ossining Fire Department and an impressive display of the apparatus they use to keep the residents of Ossining safe. Following OFD was a moving 9-11 memorial float, after which came a procession of the fire departments and apparatus from all over. The parade was judged so each and every department in attendance put their best foot forward. Results of the judging were unavailable at press time.

The parade also featured vendors selling trinkets for kids, a raffle in support of the fire department, politicians campaigning and more then a few children sporting firefighter hats and helmets. As is the custom at many Ossining events, furry four legged friends were also in attendance.

“It was great,” said Andrea Grasso an Ossining resident who was out with her two beautiful yellow labs. “It was fun seeing all the firefighters represented and it was a fun night out with all our neighbors and the dogs.”

“I liked the bag pipes.” Jim Grasso added.

One thing was very clear about the Ossining community, they enjoy coming out as a community and they are really proud of their Fire, Police and Ambulance departments.
 
“I’m proud to come out for Amy Kruse, an officer in the Ossining Fire Department,” said Laura Kramer who was watching the parade with her friend Carol Simonetti. “I’m a liberal and she’s a conservative and we all unite in our support for the firefighters.”

“We really enjoy it [the parade],” Simonetti added. “It was nice to see all the volunteers and you realize how important they are.”