Gremlins Drill Team Takes 4th Place Overall
The North Massapequa Fire Department, marching in the annual Sixth Battalion Parade held on September 15th, was named best overall appearing department, according to Chief Gary F. Brosnan.
“With the first rate departments that compete in this event, it is quite an honor to be named best overall for the third straight year,” Chief Brosnan said. “It’s a tribute to the members, who handle themselves professionally and take representing the department and this community very seriously.”
In addition, winning best appearing overall, the North Massapequa Fire Department also took top honors for best appearing department in the Class A under 150 members category, best appearing color guard and best musical unit, the West Islip Brewers, marching for the North Massapequa Fire Department.
Chief Brosnan said parade departments are judged in many categories including uniformity, symmetry and spacing.
“Everyone must look good in the line of march,” Chief Brosnan said. “From the color guard to the chauffeurs of the apparatus, each member has to look sharp.”
The North Massapequa Fire Department enjoys a county-wide reputation as one of the finest parade units anywhere. “Winning best appearing department in your category is quite an accomplishment,” Chief Brosnan said. “But, to then go on to be named best appearing department overall, as we were in the Sixth Battalion, was awesome. I’m very proud for the members. They work very hard and deserve a lot of credit.”
The North Massapequa Fire Department’s renowned drill team known as the “Gremlins” took home an astounding nine trophies from the 6th Battalion Tournament held earlier in the day. The contest is comprised of eight different firefighting related events designed to highlight competitor’s skill, teamwork, precision, agility and speed. “The members of the Gremlins won trophies in all but, two events,” Chief Brosnan said. “Many hours of training are required to compete at such a high level and skills gained in the tournament help forge better firefighters in the community.”
Chief Brosnan noted that the North Massapequa Fire Department would be marching in the Farmingdale Fire Department Annual Columbus Day Parade on Sunday, October 7, 2007 and will be hosting their annual Rag-A-Muffin Children’s Costume Parade on Sunday, October 28, 2007. Anyone look for more information about the Rag-A-Muffin Parade can contact the North Massapequa Fire Department at 579-0900 or visit them online at www.NMFD-660.com.
“We’re particularly excited about the Rag-A-Muffin Parade,” Chief Brosnan said. “I hope the community will join us for this special and fun occasion.”