The New Hyde Park Fire Department held its gala 100th Anniversary celebration last Saturday and it was a winner.
Planning this major event was no easy task, but former Chief Karl Bumeisters stepped up to the plate and everything came off without a hitch.
The parade route started with the closing of Jericho Turnpike, from Cherry Lane to Denton Avenue, for two hours and that alone was a huge accomplishment, but once again, Bumeisters came through.
More than 21 fire departments from all over the county, along with 10 bands and 164 volunteers from the New Hyde Park Fire Department who arrived to proudly walk in the parade.
The parade was a celebration of many years of dedicated service to the community and village residents who came out in full force to show their thanks to all the men and women who serve year after year.
Several of the men who marched in the 100th celebration fire parade also marched in the 50th anniversary parade.
Proudly marching in the parade was Ed Graham who is 102 years of age and who traveled from Florida with his family to celebrate with his fellow firefighters.
The Grand Marshal’s of the Parade were ex-Capt. Richie Nowak a 65 year veteran of Protection Company, and enjoying the ride with Nowak were the other divisional Grand Marshals, John Melinski, John Furest and Leon Lubowiecki.
The marchers and the entire community were then invited to a block party behind fire headquarters on Jericho Turnpike. More than 2, 000 were in attendance and the atmosphere of camaraderie and pride will be remembered for a long, long time.
The celebration was a fitting tribute to the past, the current and the future of the New Hyde Fire Department…100 years young and going strong!
