During the week of 6/22, a few members prepared Engine 44 for another trip to Ocean City. After drill on 6/20, a few members stayed late and did a thorough cleaning to prepare for the Maryland State Fireman's Association parade in Ocean City, Maryland. On 6/21, a polish and final cleaning was conducted with a few members who stayed until after 2200 hours making sure everything was in place.
At 0600 on 6/22, Engine 44 (Chief 4B Mercure) departed Ridge for the four hour journey to Ocean City. After grabbing a quick bite to eat, the crew arrived in Ocean City and immediately went to the convention center to check out new products and innovations that were on display. After seeing a few products and experiencing the convention center experience, Engine 44 and Command 4 went to the inlet to stage and await the start of the parade.
After arriving at the inlet, members walked amongst new and old apparatus alike, and began the final detail and cleaning of both the engine and command unit. At 1300, the parade began with apparatus, marching bands and even clown car fire prevention units making appearances. Units made it through the parade at about 1500. After the parade, a photo session was held with select apparatus, in which Engine 44 was selected. After the photo session, the crew grabbed a quick bite to eat and then left for home.
For our efforts, Engine 44 won third best appearing pumper tanker in the state of Maryland, which is very good considering the amount of new tankers and pumper tankers that were on display and up for judging. A job well done is extended to all the members that stayed late and helped clean. A congratulations is also in order to the Hollywood Volunteers for winning second best appearing company in the state. The crew that went to Ocean City were:
Engineer Charlie Bradburn
Deputy Chief Ray Mercure
Safety Officer Francis Raley
FF/EMT David Morris
FF Jeff Gerek
FF Donte Blackwell
FF Karen Raley |