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Springfield Fire Company Hosts FDNY Rescue Co. 5 Firefighters

The 24th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade was like no other parade for the members of Springfield Fire Company.  Springfield Fire Company was host to four members of Rescue Company 5 (Staten Island) of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and their families.

The Grand Marshals of this year's parade, Firefighter Donald Dillon, Firefighter John Farrell, Firefighter Kevin Reilly and Firefighter Bill Staid marched in the parade along with their wives and the Firefighters of Springfield Fire Company.  Most of the children of the FDNY firefighters decided to ride in the parade in style, in the back of Rescue 44.

Three of the FDNY firefighters arrived Friday evening at Springfield's firehouse around 20:00 hours.  A dinner was provided at the firehouse for them and the families of Springfield firefighters.  The firefighters and their families were given a tour of the firehouse and the fire apparatus.  The firefighters exchanged stories with the members of Springfield Fire Company while the children enjoyed exploring the fire apparatus.

Saturday morning, a breakfast was prepared at the firehouse for everyone to enjoy before the parade.  Chef Lieutenant Bob Tracey and his wife Ann, along with help from other members, provided a filling meal.

The parade started at 12:00 hours at Springfield High School and the FDNY firefighters led the Springfield Fire Company in the line of march.   The warm reception that the Springfield residents displayed along the parade route was felt by the FDNY firefighters and Springfield firefighters.  The Members of Springfield Fire Company were very proud of the citizens of Springfield Township, the people that we protect everyday.

The FDNY Firefighters then stood atop the reviewing stand as Grand Marshal's of the 24th Annual Springfield Township Saint Patrick's Day Parade. As the parade ended, the firefighters were presented with a proclamation letter that listed the events of September 11th, the fund raising efforts of Springfield Fire Company and the citizens of Springfield Township for the families of FDNY firefighters lost at the World Trade Center, the attendance of Springfield Fire Company members at the funeral of Lenny Ragaglia, Engine Company 54 FDNY, on November 17th, 2001 and the participation of Members of Rescue Company 5 FDNY at the 2002 Springfield Township Saint Patrick's Day Parade.  The letter was signed by Springfield Fire Company President William Woolston and Fire Chief Robert Woolson.

Following the parade the Dillon, Farrell, Reilly and Staid families attended celebrations along with Firefighters from the "Fightin 44th" at the Springfield Country Club and C.J. McGee's.  The warm reception at each of these celebrations was one to remember for everyone present.

Morton Fire Company also participated in the parade and provided Stand-By coverage at Station 44 after the parade until 23:00 hours.   This allowed the members of Springfield Fire Company the opportunity to spend time with their fellow brothers from New York City while still protecting the citizens of Springfield Township.

The weekend ended with a quiet morning breakfast at the Baltimore Junction Restaurant in Clifton Heights.  The families were able to enjoy a nice morning meal before heading back to Staten Island, New York for their borough's annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

During their weekend visit, the firefighters and their families were provided lodging at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Tinicum Township.

The Springfield Fire Company was proud to be a host to Firefighter Donald Dillon, Firefighter John Farrell, Firefighter Kevin Reilly, Firefighter Bill Staid, their wives June, Lori, Pat and Cindy, and all their wonderful children.  God Bless You and the families of the 343 Fallen Heroes of the Fire Department of New York City.