Sugarcreek Firemen Roll Out Good Time
The Budget 7/16/09
Last weekend, members of the
Sugarcreek Fire Department and Swiss Valley Ambulance stepped
out from behind their suits and talked with residents, served up
food, served as game attendants and waved from trucks during a
grand parade. All those roles were much different from the
circumstances of an emergency that customarily call the men and
women to work in the event of an emergency.
“It is nice to be able to sit and talk with people in a
non-emergency situation,” said Fire Chief Jim Harrison. “We can
connect with people here today and maybe learn something that
will help us in the future.”
Last Saturday afternoon, a food line filled with barbecued
chicken, brats, creamed chicken sandwiches, potato salad,
macaroni salad, pies and ice cream opened for business. As the
afternoon turned into dinner time, a line began to form that
soon stretched past the pavilion. Some were eager to grab
chicken as takeout to supplement dinner at home while others
grabbed a tray and ate with friends and family.
Children and adults alike enjoyed the parade of emergency
vehicles throughout the day including the MedFlight helicopter
that touched down at 4 p.m. followed by the grand parade at
5:30. Entries from across Tuscarawas County and beyond were a
part of this year’s event including two entries that were
involved in the tragedy in New York City on September 11, 2001.
A pair of fire trucks, now owned by Don and Brenda Jordan of
Louisville, made their way throughout Sugarcreek. The first was
FDNY Engine 313 that served New York City from 1993 to 2003. It
was a Seagrave Pumper that was purchased by the Jordans at
auction. The second was FDNY Engine 293. It was buried to the
wheelwells at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 and
pumped water from the Hudson River to the buildings. It too was
purchased at auction. “It is an honor to have these engines as
part of the festival,” Harrison said.
As a part of the parade, several
awards were given. Included in the list were:
• Best Engine over 1000 gallons per minute - West Layfayette for
their 1999 Pierce Quantum.
• Best Engine under 1000 gallons per minute - Baltic with their
1996 Pierce known as Engine 902.
• Best Tanker - Wilmot 644.
• Best Rescue - Dundee.
• Best Grass Fire Unit - Richland Township.
• Chief’s Award - FDNY 293.
• Best Squad - Smith Ambulance.
• Oldest Unit in Service - Strasburg.
• Longest Distance Traveled - Western Holmes (Nashville).
• Judge’s Award - East Holmes.
New this year was a live auction as opposed to a silent auction
held in previous years. Several items, including a storage barn
from Weaver Barns, a lawn mower from Yoder’s Small Engine and
various lawn furniture items were sold to the highest bidder.
More than $3,500 was raised.
The annual water war that thrilled and chilled many who sat on
the lawn across from the pavilion was held one again this year.
In the first heat, Sugarcreek I battled Dundee while Bakersville
took on Sugarcreek II. Sugarcreek I and II were victorious.
Sugarcreek II battled Baltic and lost while Western Holmes went
head-to-head with Sugarcreek I. Sugarcreek I came up with the
victory and battled Baltic who beat them to take top seed in the
winner’s bracket for the final.
In the loser’s bracket, Dundee took on Sugarcreek II and won
while Bakersville and Western Holmes went back and forth until
Bakersville came out with the win. Both Dundee and Bakersville
traded the lead in the next heat until Dundee was declared the
winner and went to take on Sugarcreek I for the glory of the
second seat in the winner’s bracket. Sugarcreek I was
victorious.
Baltic quickly defeated Sugarcreek I and remained unbeaten on
the night. For their effort, Baltic was awarded $60 cash. Final
standings for the night were: First Place - Baltic; Second Place
- Sugarcreek I; Third Place - Dundee; Fourth Place - Bakersville;
Fifth Place - Sugarcreek II; Sixth Place - Western Holmes.
As a special treat, Justin Troyer, who turned 10 years old last
Saturday, was given the opportunity to have a water war with his
dad, Kevin Troyer, who serves as a Sugarcreek Firefighter. Each
had a team and when the last drop of water was sprayed, young
Justin was the winner.
A cornhole tournament was also held, however, no results were
available at press time.
“I just want to thank everyone for coming out,” Harrison said.
“The rain held off for the most part. We just had a little this
morning and it’s not nearly as hot as last year. This is
something we do not only as a fundraiser but for the community
and we appreciate the support we are given by not only the
community, but by businesses each year.”
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