Parade honors fire prevention week
By Patrick Cooley, Special to The NewsWILLIAMSTOWN - Dozens of fire engines, police cruisers and ambulances paraded through Marietta and Williamstown Tuesday, lights flashing, sirens sounding and horns honking at spectators on the side of the road.
The event, in honor of National Fire Prevention Week, involved nearly all of the fire departments in Washington and Wood counties, as well as several from Noble County.
"It makes you proud to be an American," said parade watcher Judy Ancona, 57, of Lowell.
"It's nice to know that we have a lot of support if we need it."
Local Shrine clubs, the Marietta and Williamstown high school marching bands and the mayors of Marietta, Belpre and Williamstown also participated.
Although there have been local parades in honor of the week in previous years, Tuesday was the first time departments from both sides of the Ohio River came together for such an event.
"We cross that (state) line often to help each other out; we thought, why not cross it in the name of fire prevention?" said Marietta fire Chief Tom Dempsey. "We wanted to show the unity we have as fire departments."
Richard Best, president of the Washington County Firefighters Association, said the event was all about awareness.
"Fire Prevention Week is all about bringing attention to the things people can do to prevent fires in their homes," he said. "Smoke detectors are important, so is storage of solvents and extension cords, and making sure your children aren't playing with lighters.
"If we bring attention to these things, if we save one life, then it's worth it," he said.
LaToya Russell, 24, of Marietta watched the parade from a parking lot with her family.
"It lets the kids know there are a lot of fire departments out there," she said. "And it's nice to know they are all coming together."
Paul Jordan, chairman of the parade committee, said the event will rotate between the Marietta/Williamstown and Parkersburg/Belpre areas every year.
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RickWT
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10-08-08 3:38 AM
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We are indeed fortunate to have so many dedicated firefighters who are willing to work together regardless of political boundaries or other differences. It isn't like that everywhere!
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