Ogdensburg wins big at parade

Franklin Fire Department hosted the 99th Annual Sussex County Firemen’s Association Inspection Day & Parade Saturday Oct. 5.

Ogdensburg brought many trophies home, having won 1st Place Color Guard, 1st Place Engine 15-20 years, Best Overall Marching, Best Military Color Guard, Best Overall Dept in-county.

As the parade got underway, spectators could hear “God Bless America.” Marching soon followed along with “Left, left, left, right, left.”

People lined the 2-mile loop to watch the volunteers. Sussex County is the only county in New Jersey that consists of all volunteer departments. Volunteers use the Sussex County Public Safety Training Academy for education and training.

Grand Marshall Phillip Crabb announced the various towns and corresponding name of the Fire Chief as they turned the corner from High Street onto Buckwheat Road and headed past the judges toward the Firemen’s Memorial Pavilion and Park. As the drivers and marchers moved forward past the judges, they also paid homage to the giant United States Flag, attached to the Newton ladder truck and flying high in the sky. Crabb told of various facts about the towns including where they were geographically in relation to Franklin Borough, and the year that town’s Fire Department started. Newton’s Fire Department was the oldest in the county, dating back to 1836.

Wallkill Valley First Aid Squad, bringing up the rear of the parade, provided safety related support for the day.

After the trophies were awarded, once again “God Bless America” was playing loudly as the attendees dispersed to go home. Fire Departments lit up the trucks and sounded their horns and sirens as they said goodbye to one another and left the Franklin Pavilion area.

Sue Ellen Houghtaling, mother of Franklin Fire Department LT Corey Houghtaling won 935 dollars from the 50/50 and graciously donated 300 dollars to the Franklin Fire Department.