Greenlawn Fire Department Hosts Annual Summer Send-Off

There was plenty of food at the fair, including these hot dogs and sausages cooked up by Greenlawn firefighters. Photo Courtesy of Steve Silverman

Centerport Fire Chief Tom Boyd and firefighters receive trophies from Greenlawn Fire Chief Mike Bellis and his assistant chiefs for Centerport’s participation in this year’s parade. Photo Courtesy of Steve Silverman

A Huntington Manor Fire Department Ladder Truck is ogled by parade goers. Photo Courtesy of Steve Silverman

Flags are held high during the playing of the national anthem by the NYPD band. Photo Courtesy of Steve Silverman

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

Greenlawn Fire Department hosted its annual end of summer parade and fair over Labor Day weekend, honoring the family of the late NYPD Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo as the grand marshals of the parade.

Tuozzolo, a Greenlawn resident, was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 4, 2016. Lisa Tuozzolo, his widow, and sons Austin, 5, and Joseph, 4, led the annual parade.

The parade brought people from all over Long Island to Greenlawn including the Long Beach Seaside Marching Band, which led the Huntington Fire Department down the parade route.

Members from all 12 of Huntington’s fire departments and both rescue squads marched in the parade.

When the parade came to an end, the Centerport Fire Department earned top trophies for Best Overall Department, 1st Place Best Appearing Department and Best Juniors.

Greenlawn Fire Chief Mike Bellis said the entire department is honored to continue the tradition of hosting the longest running firemen’s fair in the state.

The original fair, held in 1906, raised $232.52. This year’s edition will assuredly surpass that as raffles included a 2017 Dodge Journey, sports jerseys, electronics, whole sides of beef and more.