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FIREMEN’S PARADE
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
Firefighters’ ‘wet downs’ are occasions for fun and games STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANYA TIKKA
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White Lake firefighters hurry to get their hoses ready for the “wet down� battle.
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Refreshments were served by members of the Ladies Auxiliary in the firehouse. Fire Police Officer Mike Denaro explained those fire departments who came often collaborate on area fires. Fire Police Officer Gene Gallagher explained, “wet down� is a tradition observed all over the area. “It’s like a baptism,� he said, adding, “We don’t know who’s coming. If there’s a fire, that’s a priority. They don’t have time for games.�
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Smallwood/Mongaup Valley's youngest firefighter, 19-year old Emily Moray, just after winning the fight against Monticello. How do you determine who won? Simple. The losing team ran out of water first!
t’s not all about running into burning structures and saving lives for the firefighters – although there’s plenty of that, too. But sometimes, they just like to play. Acquiring and inugurating a new firetruck is as good an excuse as any for a good water fight with the neighboring fire departments who show up for the occasion – to “wet down� or baptize the brand new fire truck. The Smallwood/Mongaup Valley Fire Department had a “wet down� on a chilly Saturday in midSeptember, but that didn’t deter anyone from joining in the hosing fun – regardless of getting thoroughly wet in the process. That’s firefighters; everyone else kept their distance for fear of getting wet in the cold. Neighboring fire departments from White Lake, Kauneonga Lake, Monticello, and eventually, White Sulphur Springs showed up in their trucks, and took part in the mock fighting, pulling out their hoses and
spraying across the field to “get� the fire fighters on the other teams. Some even engaged in one on one, or small group factional fighting, like Smallwood/Mongaup Valley’s youngest member, Emily Moray, 19, and who reputedly won the fight together with longtime member and ex-chief Dennis Dietrich. After the water ran out, everyone came out to greet each other, with the occasional fake wrestling and bear hugs to show that there were no hard feelings.
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