Nyack FD Gears up for 150-Year Anniversary

If 2011 was the , 2013 will be the Year of the Nyack Fire Department.

Local firefighters–all volunteers—from the village's eight companies will be celebrating the organization's 150th anniversary starting January 2013. And fundraising initiatives for the commemoration have already begun—volunteers and Sparky the Fire Dog were out at .

"It's the first time we've done something like this," said Jim Petriello, . The Park Street fire house was taking donations, dishing out hot dogs, hamburgers and cola, and selling balloons for youngsters.

The proceeds will help finance 2013's anniversary parade. The march is still in its planning stages, but Petriello says it will likely start in Upper Nyack, head down Main Street and conclude in South Nyack.

"We've starting fundraising early," Petriello said, noting Sunday's efforts took in about $450. "It's a drop in the bucket compared to the expense of putting together a parade, but we have a whole year."

Raffle tickets are also an integral part of fundraising, Petriello said.

The Nyack fire department has about 160 active members, half as many as the organization had in the mid-80s.

There will be a parade this year, as well—the Chiefs Inspection and Parade, which will start at in Upper Nyack and wind its way past the Main Street-Broadway intersection. Fire companies from throughout Rockland will be in attendance, along with volunteers' guests.