Twin Cities sets firemen's parade, first responders appreciation day

Columbia Hook & Ladder No. 1 celebrates 150th anniversary

Submitted by David L. Evans

Parade chair and secretary

Columbia Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, North Tonawanda

The fire departments and volunteer fire companies of the Twin Cities are having their annual parade on Saturday, June 20. This parade event first started in 1880 and has been held every year since then.

The Columbia Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, celebrating its 150th anniversary, will lead the fire companies in the line of march. Columbia was founded May 7, 1876, by 20 leading citizens of the Village of North Tonawanda, the first fire company on the north side of the Erie Canal. Step off time is 1 p.m. The route will be in North Tonawanda, starting at Oliver Street and the 10th Avenue area, marching north on Oliver Street to Ward Road, turning at Ward Road and to the Gratwick Hose Co. grounds.

City of North Tonawanda Fire Chief Douglas Orlowski and City of Tonawanda Fure Chief Joseph Briggs will lead the parade inspection in front of the Gratwick Hose hall. Joining them will their assistant fire chiefs, the mayors and common council of both cities, county legislators and other city officials and guests.

Career firefighters of both departments will be part of the parade. Volunteer fire companies from each city are: North Tonawanda – Columbia Hook & Ladder No. 1, Active Hose No. 2, Live Hose No. 4, Rescue Fire No. 5, Gratwick Hose No. 6 and Sweeney Hose No. 7. From Tonawanda – Union Hook & Ladder No. 1, National Hose No. 1, Delaware Hose No. 2 and Niagara Hose No. 3.

Also invited are fire companies of neighboring communities from both counties that have been part of mutual aid responses. From Niagara County are St. Johnsburg, Adams, Frontier, Bergholtz, Shawnee, Sanborn, Pekin and Niagara Active. From Erie County are Brighton, Sheridan Park and Grand Island. Twin City Ambulance and Tri-Community Ambulance will also be represented.

This is a special parade that has gone on in the Tonawanda’s community for nearly a century and a half. The public will enjoy the marching firefighter units, senior volunteers, fire apparatus and bands along the entire parade route.

The public is invited to join the general admission afterparty of food, beverages and musical entertainment on the Gratwick Hose grounds at 110 Ward Road. Admission fees will be $13 per adults and children 12 and older, and $5 for children under age 12. Tickets can be purchased at the door only; no presale.

For more information, Evans can be reached at 716-693-3466.