Hurleyville Wins Top
Prize at Annual Parade

By Ted Waddell
LIBERTY ÷ September 12, 2000 ö One thingâs for sure about volunteer firefighters, and thatâs in addition to dedicating themselves to serving their community, often putting their lives at risk to save others: the men and women in firematics know how to put together one heck of a parade.
On Saturday, Main Street was lined with lots of cheering folks who turned out for the 72nd annual Sullivan County Volunteer Firefightersâ Association (SCVFA) parade.
This year, the annual event was hosted by the Liberty Hose and Truck Co. #2, which also celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Before the parade kicked off at 2:30 in the afternoon, participants gathered along several side streets to get ready for the festive march in honor of the countyâs firefighters.
Ten-year-old Chelsie Schadt and Kristen Neimann, 9, struck a pose on a firetruck as they got ready to march with the Youngsville Ladies Auxiliary, while Russ Turner, Jr., a firefighter from the Neversink Fire Department, took a moment to pull up his socks before the parade.
As 77-year-old Ed Furchak, who has served with the Monticello Fire Department for 52 years, got ready to march, members of the re-created 143rd New York Volunteer Infantry adjusted their Civil War uniforms along Main Street.
Spectators were treated to the sight of brightly polished chrome and brass glinting in the sun as firefighting apparatus proceeded along Main Street, and booted feet kept up a steady cadence.
A brief rain shower didnât seem to dampen anyoneâs spirits. Eight-year-old Krista Mangabang and ã22 Laurie,ä the 5-year-old daughter of Monticello Fire Department Chief Scott Schoonmaker, were among those who broke out their umbrellas for a couple of minutes as the parade passed by.
Darlene Goldberg of Liberty watched a couple of firefighting relatives march with the White Sulphur Springs Fire Department.
ãItâs a great day for Liberty,ä she said.
As the judges from the the Hudson Valley Fire Judges Association selected the winners in several categories, most of the countyâs legislators and officials were joined by NYS Assemblyman Jake Gunther under the reviewing tent.
Sullivan County Volunteer Firefightersâ Association president James Searl served as grand marshall during the 72nd annual SCVFA Parade.
ãI was tickled to death that it was such a success,ä he said.
Liberty Postmaster Eugene J. DeCarlo was on hand to supervise a special commemorative cancellation in celebration of Liberty Hose & Truck Co. #2âs 100th anniversary. A set of three postcards sold for five bucks, and all proceeds went to the fire company. The commemorative sets will be available throughout the month and can be purchased at the department.
ãThe parade was excellent,ä said Sullivan County Clerk George Cooke. ãThe Sullivan County Volunteer Firefightersâ Association is an integral part of the county. Thank God we have them, because if we didnât, weâd be lost. Everyone looked good marching in the parade.ä
Dan Briggs, county treasurer and soon-to-be county manager, is a member of the Monticello Fire Department.
ãI watch the parade every year, and each year it gets better and better,ä he said. ãIt was an absolutely magnificent effort.ä
ãThe spirit and energy of the firefighters was demonstrated on the streets of Liberty today,ä said Town of Liberty Supervisor Richard ãDickä Martinkovic, who has served with the local department for 30 years.
Chief Joe Maxwell has been a member of Liberty Hose & Truck Co. #2 for about 20 years. He marched proudly with the local departmentâs trio of companies (J.C. Young #1, Liberty Hose & Truck Co #2 and Ontario #3) during their 100th anniversary celebration.
ãThere is a lot of history in firematics here in Liberty after a hundred years,ä he said. ãItâs nice to be part of that. Iâm not going to be here for the next hundred yearâs [anniversary], so Iâm glad I was here this year.ä

THE WINNERS

Centennial Trophy (Best Overall, in or out of county): Hurleyville Fire Department.

In-County Awards

Most Men in the Line of March: Monticello (32 firefighters)
Best Appearing Large Regulation Company (15 & over): Monticello
Second Best Appearing Large Regulation Company: Hurleyville
Third Best Appearing Large Regulation Company: Livingston Manor
Best Appearing Medium Regulation Company (9-14): Youngsville
Second Best Appearing Medium Regulation Company: Neversink
Best Appearing Large Dress Company (15 & over): Rock Hill
Second Best Appearing Large Dress Company: Fallsburg
Best Appearing Medium Dress Company (9-14): Beaverkill Valley
Second Best Appearing Medium Dress Company: Kauneonga Lake
Third Best Appearing Medium Dress Company: Grahamsville
Best Appearing Small Dress Company (5-8): Roscoe
Second Best Appearing Small Dress Company: Summitville
Best Appearing Apparatus (10 years & under): Rock Hill
Second Best Appearing Apparatus (10 years & under): White Sulphur Springs
Best Appearing Apparatus (11-19 years in service): Jackson Hose
Second Best Appearing Apparatus (11-19 years in service): Kauneonga Lake
Best Appearing Apparatus (20 years and older, in service): Swan Lake
Second Best Appearing Apparatus (20 years and older, in service): White Lake
Best Appearing Antique Motorized Apparatus (20 years and older, not in service): Jeffersonville
Best Appearing Antique Non-Motorized Apparatus (20 years & older, not in service): Roscoe
Best Appearing Large Ladies Auxiliary (9 & over): Youngsville
Best Appearing Small Ladies Auxiliary (3-8): Hurleyville
Second Best Appearing Small Ladies Auxiliary: Rock Hill
Most Ladies in the Line of March (10 members): Youngsville
Best Appearing Ambulance Corps: Jeffersonville
Second Best Appearing Ambulance Corps: Neversink
Best Appearing Ambulance: Neversink
Second Best Appearing Ambulance: Jeffersonville

Out of County Awards

Best Appearing: Jackson Hose
Second Best Appearing: Pine Bush
Most Men in the Line of March: Jasckson Hose
Best Appearing Apparatus (10 years & under): Pine Bush
Best Appearing Apparatus (11-19 years in service): Jackson Hose