Warren Fire Department honors members with parade Sunday

Mass, speaking program also part of day's events

EastBayRI.com ·

The Warren Fire and Rescue Department will celebrate those who served the town when it holds its annual Fireman’s Memorial Parade and ceremony this coming Sunday, June 11.

This is the department’s 113th annual parade; the department was established in June 1802, 215 years ago. The day starts off with Mass at St. Jean Baptiste Church at 9 a.m. From there, department members will head back to fire headquarters to muster for the parade, which steps off at 11 a.m. Once it starts they’ll head from Croade Street to Main Street, turn north and then take a sharp right south on Water Street. The parade will proceed south to State, where it turns east toward the Warren Town Common. At the Town Common ceremony, WaterRower CEO Peter King will be the guest speaker.

“He’s been very supportive of the fire department,” Fire Chief Al Galinelli said. “He’s got a great facility and he’s allowed department members who work there time out to go to calls. We thought he would be a good speaker.”

After the ceremony, department members will head back to headquarters for food and drinks.

This isn’t the only fire department celebration coming up. On Saturday, June 17, the department will hold a party at the Venus deMilo to recognize Warren’s many volunteers.

“We don’t get together as a group very often,” the chief said. “This is a chance to show our appreciation for all they do for us.”

Though he expects it will be a busy night, Chief Galinelli said there may be tickets available for members of the public who want to celebrate with the fire department. Should any be available, he encouraged those who want to attend to call the department at 245-7600. Tickets are $35, he said.

— Ted Hayes