On Saturday September 17, 2022 at 2pm, members of the Deptford Fire Department, along with the apparatus, mustered at the intersection of New Jersey Avenue and Columbine Avenue in Wildwood Crest NJ to participate in the annual Fireman’s Convention Memorial Parade. After hours and hours of preparation in cleaning and polishing the trucks and tools and the Tuesday night marching practices, the team was ready to show everyone what teamwork and dedication was about. The DFD was led down New Jersey Avenue by the Jersey Devil Pipe and Drums Band. The parade proceeded up New Jersey Road through Wildwood Crest, into Wildwood, and ending at 20th Street in North Wildwood. After the marching part of the parade was completed groups of members and the apparatus went to the Anglesea Fire Station in North Wildwood for final judging of the apparatus by the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Parade Judging Association.
It was and extreme honor for Deptford Fire Department to bring the 1968 Maxim 100′ Mid Mount Ladder 906 (Deptford’s first ladder) and Ladder 926 2020 E-One 95′ Mid Mount Ladder Tower (Deptford’s newest ladder) and have the Maxim lead the E-One down the parade route.
At 8pm everyone mustered at the Wildwoods Convention Center for the Trophy and Awards presentation:
Engine 933: 1st place Best Appearing Engine 6 to 15 years
Engine 923: 1st Place Best Appearing Engine 16 to 25 years
Ladder 926: 1st Place Best Appearing Platform
Command 930: 1st Place Best Appearing Command Vehicle
Brush Truck 925: 1st Place Best Appearing Brush Truck, the Assistant Chief Judge George Hewitt Award
Fire Police Unit 9: 1st Place Best Appearing Utility, Light plant Cascade, Haz Mat Unit
Fire Police Unit 9, Special Judges Award
Almonesson Ladder 906: 1st place 1960’s Motorized Antique Fire Apparatus
Engine 923: Best Appearing Apparatus for Gloucester County
Engine 923: The Highest Scoring Apparatus, The Libby Memorial Award
Deptford Fire Department: 1st Place Best Appearing Fire Apparatus overall, The William Carney Memorial Award
Deptford Fire Department: 1st Place Best Appearing Explorer/Cadets
Deptford Fire Department: 1st Place Best Appearing Color Guard
Deptford Fire Department: 1st Place Best Appearing Marching Unit 21 Marchers and Over
Deptford Fire Department: 1st Place Best Appearing Department with Music
Jersey Devil Pipe Band: 1st Place Best Appearing Pipe and Drum Band
Deptford Fire Department: Best Appearing Overall Fire Department Including Marching, The PRESIDENT’S CUP
A job well done by everyone involved….
The link below is from Photographer Edan Davis of the entire parade. The Deptford Fire Department appears at 38.40 minute mark.
https://www.facebook.com/edan.davis/videos/809855786837231?idorvanity=169941359729841
The pictures are courtesy of Photographer Joe Klapatch (https://www.facebook.com/joe.klapatch).
The video is courtesy of Photographer Edan Davis
