South Schodack -- Two parades and an evening of fireworks highlight the program for South Schodack Fire Department's 50th Anniversary celebration this month. The event, July 19-21, will also feature music, food, and "bouncy rides" for the kids, and the annual convention of the Hudson-Mohawk Firefighters Association.
More than 40 Fire Departments from around the Capitol District will participate in the Dress Parade, beginning in Clearview at 1pm on Saturday and proceeding via Schodack Drive to the Firehouse on Bame Road. Friday evening will see what's called a "Mardi Gras" parade along the same route, with costumes and floats on the theme of "Answering the Call" at 7pm.
"We are enjoying the chance to 'strut our stuff' for the community," said Chief David Quinn; "It's an opportunity for our members to let residents and visitors know just how much we do to serve our neighbors, and to invite them to join us."
"As the sign in front of the company building said recently, 'We're missing the 'U' in vol nteer'," Quinn added. Although South Schodack has enlisted more than half a dozen new members in just over a year, it, like many other volunteer Departments in the Capitol District, is often stretched to find enough members to do as much firefighting, emergency assistance and fire prevention education as the community needs.
And as is the case for major fires, the assistance of neighboring Departments is critical. "We've enlisted help from East Greebush, Schodack Valley, Schodack Landing, Nassau and Castleton Fire Departments and Castleton and Bruen Ambulances for jobs like emergency medical coverage, supervising parking for visitors, and the dozens of other jobs that just have to get done to make the celebration fun for residents," Quinn noted; "and, of course, all of them and many other departments will provide firefighting, accident and EMS coverage while we're celebrating our 50th."
"Oh, we've been partying already," said Fire Company President Jan Spring; "work-partying!" Volunteers have a lot more to do than the usual spit-shining of trucks for a parade this time. "We've been cleaning, landscaping, and working hard to make sure everything goes smoothly for the parade and convention guests for almost a year now."
And that's in addition to normal Firefigher duties: South Schodack typically answers more than 200 calls per year, ranging from extrication of motor vehicle accident victims to fire fighting to events like "Fire Prevention Day" at schools and churches.
"Castleton Ambulance has just donated an underused van for our use as a First Response vehicle," said Quinn. "It's probably going to be our busiest truck, since we respond to ambulance calls with the local ambulance crews, but whether its a medical problem, a smoke or CO alarm, or a fire, we want to be there for anyone who needs us. That's why we're anxious to sign up and train new members. Equipment is essential, but it doesn't get there to help without people."
Schodack, NY: SSFD 50th