The convention was cut down to just a business meeting last year because of the pandemic. That includes the recruitment and retention of volunteers, fundraising and, through its legislative committee, the introduction and passage of helpful state laws. The association helps promote the fire service and advocates for it. 2, who is ending his term as president of the association. This year, it is being held in honor of Bruce Davis, assistant chief at New Kensington No. “We felt it was only fitting to hold the convention in his honor as he was leaving office.” “The last time that we held it (in 2011), one of our members (Tim Gorencic) was the president,” Saliba said. Saliba said this is the seventh time the city hosted the convention, the most in association history. They can meet and talk on a different level than at a fire because at a fire everything changes.” “It’s a great opportunity for guys to get together and become more familiar with each other,” Flanick said. His department showcased a ladder truck and a handful of volunteers in white shirts and black ties, a little more comfortable than their usual 60-plus pounds of gear. Oakmont Assistant Fire Chief Joe Flanick said conventions are great for reaching out to other departments and communicating without having to deal with an emergency. (Firefighters) come all the time and support us, so we like to support them back.” We’re a brand-new small business opening during covid. “We need it as much as everybody else, so it’s good. “Everybody’s happy and having a great time supporting local businesses,” Ashley Bodycombe said. It had a tent set up along the parade route.Ĭo-owners Ashley and Joe Bodycombe said firefighters have stopped in. It features stuffed breads and other baked goods among other foods. The convention may prove to be a boost for local businesses as well.Īshley’s Kitchen along Ninth Street opened in April. I just think it’s really awesome and heartwarming that they have the hearts to do that.” I wouldn’t be able to climb in a burning down building to rescue people. I have a lot of respect for them doing what they do. ![]() I think it can bring a lot of positivity to New Kensington. “I think it brings the community together. “I think it’s really great for the community,” Demme said. … I grew up having Hot Wheels cars, and a lot of them were firetrucks.”ĭemme and Beal were along Fourth Street, not very far from the main stage. We saw the firetrucks, and it’s a very cool thing for New Kensington. “We actually had no idea this was going on until we got back from house sitting and we saw the horses. ![]() “It’s pretty rare, but it’s very cool,” Beal said. ![]() New Kensington residents Brian Beal and Gina Demme were among the hundreds of parade onlookers. Multiple fire departments and community organizations from throughout the region participated in the parade. “It’s a good day to get a bunch of firefighters together.” “Everybody comes together and gets to see and talk with one another, discuss things,” said Ed Saliba Jr., New Kensington fire chief and one of the convention organizers. More than 100 firefighters are expected to make the trek to New Kensington throughout the convention. ![]() The convention continues through Tuesday.Īt least 400 fire departments are a part of the association. Instead, it was to celebrate the start of the 128th annual Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association’s convention.įestivities kicked off with a car cruise and a parade. Dozens of fire trucks from throughout the state made their way through New Kensington streets Saturday afternoon.
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