Freeport Fire Department wins top honors at state parade and drill

The Freeport Fire Department once again demonstrated its longstanding tradition of excellence by taking home top honors at the New York State Championship parade and drill, held the weekend before last in Buffalo, NY. Competing against fire departments from across the state, Freeport’s contingent of 72 firefighters marched away with first place in both the largest category—reserved for departments with 45 or more participants—and the overall competition.

The annual event, which brings together fire departments for a weekend of camaraderie and competition, featured a series of firematic drills and a grand parade. The parade itself is judged on a variety of criteria, including marching precision, appearance, and overall presentation.

“You’re judged on being in step, on your appearance, on the lines—there’s a whole bunch of stuff,” said Freeport Fire Department’s executive director Ray Mcguire.

The victory is far from a fluke.

The department has now claimed the state championship parade title an astonishing 38 times in the past 40 years, a testament to the pride and tradition that runs deep within its ranks.

“It is testimony to the pride and the tradition that the fire department carries on year after year,” Mcguire. “It’s very invigorating to see that the younger firefighters are carrying that baton and maintaining the traditions of the fire department.”