Firefighters’ Day celebrated with a grand parade

York Street was covered in red, blue and white last Friday when over 30 firefighting vehicles from fire departments across the Western and Southern Cape participated in a grand parade on International Firefighters' Day. Residents waited along the main road to greet their heroes. Children cheered with enthusiasm and in wonder.

Officers from the various fire departments looked crisp and professional in uniform, making it a proud event.

The parade started at the R102 (Pacaltsdorp traffic circle) and moved down York Street, where it stopped briefly at the Civic Centre.

The Pacaltsdorp Brass Band, fire engines, firefighters and a drilling platoon led the vehicle procession to Rosemoor, Conville and Pacaltsdorp.

The day's prominent colours were blue and red, taken from the firefighters' symbolic ribbon. The two colours represent the two elements that are present in the life of the firefighter - water and fire.

This year's celebration was hosted by the George Fire Department and sponsored by Oakhurst Insurance. Chief Fire Officer of George Fire Department, Neels Barnard, said the purpose was to honour the courageous firefighters that make massive sacrifices to ensure communities are kept safe.

Chief fire officers had a chance to network, share ideas and discuss pressing issues during a meeting at Oakhurst Insurance, earlier in the day.

Photos: Michelle Pienaar A parade of fire engines, firefighters, a drill squad and marching band made its way through the streets last Friday.

Acting Mayor Charlotte Clarke received a trophy on behalf of George Municipality on National Firefighters’ Day, Friday 4 May.

Chief fire officers from across the Western Cape joined the procession in York Street. They stopped for a while in front of the George Civic Centre where they met Acting Mayor Charlotte Clarke (front, middle).