Local fire departments hosting state association convention
More than 200 engines, ladder trucks and rescue vehicles will cruise the streets of Washington Saturday for the 137th Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association parade as firefighters from across the commonwealth come together for an annual convention.
The conference, hosted by North Strabane Township Fire Department, Burgettstown Volunteer Fire Company and Washington Fire Department, will be held today through Saturday at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, with meetings and training for participants and musical acts, expos and vendor shows open to the public.
Speakers will cover such topics as “well-control incidents for municipal responders” and “alternative energy emergency response training.”
Marching fire units and high school marching bands also will participate in the parade, which will follow the traditional route, starting at Washington High School and finishing at Cameron Stadium.
Washington Chief Linn Brookman said residents in the area will be notified of temporary road closures, starting at 7 a.m., as he prepares to host hundreds of trucks.
“It’s not like it happens all the time. It’s a one-time thing,” Brookman said. “Be patient, just for a couple of hours.”
No parking will be permitted and the following streets will be closed to traffic until the parade concludes: Allison Avenue from Hall Avenue to Third Street; Duncan Avenue from Hall Avenue to Third Street; Donnan Avenue from Hall Avenue to Hallam Avenue; Hall Avenue from Jefferson Avenue to Franklin Street; Walnut Street from Hall Avenue to Franklin Street.