On Sunday, October 5, 2012 at 1:00pm, the Upper Darby Township Fire Department will be hosting its annual Fire Prevention Parade to kick off Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme will be “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives, Test Yours Monthly ”. The parade will begin at the Drexel Hill Middle School located at State Road and Shadeland Avenue. The parade will exit the school property via the rear drive onto Kenwood Road, proceed on Kenwood Road to Bond Avenue, and continue on Bond Avenue ending at Aronimink Elementary School.
Each year the parade is dedicated to someone who has dedicated themselves to our community. This year the Upper Darby Fire Department and Upper Darby Township have decided to dedicate the Fire Prevention Parade to PA State Senator Edwin “Ted” Erickson and PA Representative Nicholas A. Micozzie, both of whom have proudly served their districts and our community for many years.
Featured in the parade are: Mayor Thomas Micozzie, Upper Darby Township Council members, Upper Darby Township Fire and Police Departments, the Upper Darby High School Marching Royals, and marching bands from Beverly Hills Middle School and Drexel Hill Middle Schools. The Greater Overbrook String Band will also be featured. The bands will perform during the parade and also at the conclusion of the parade at the Aronimink Elementary School.
The Upper Darby Marine Corp. League Honor Guard #884 will lead the parade with their colors. There will be antique fire trucks, motorcycles, fire departments from surrounding communities, and the Fire Department's special guest, “Sparky the Fire Dog.”
Following the parade, the Upper Darby Fire Department will distribute fire prevention materials and assorted novelties for children, and there will be demonstrations by members of the Fire Department. The demonstrations will include vehicle extrication using the “JAWS OF LIFE”. There will also be demonstrations on “Stop Drop and Roll”. Firefighters will be available distributing fire prevention literature and fire safety tips and will be available to answer questions.
In conjunction with this year’s theme, the Upper Darby Fire Department will be conducting a contest with all of the Upper Darby Township elementary schools, grades 1 through 5. The contest will be based on the best poster relating to the theme. Each grade will be judged and best five posters from each grade will be awarded, either 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place and two honorable awards. The winners will be presented with their awards on October 5, 2014 at the Aronimink Elementary School following the parade.
The program is for all, young and old. Admission is free and all are invited to attend.
