The South Farmingdale Fire Department recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a parade and block party the weekend of July 20,21 and 22. Among the festivities available to celebrating residents and their families were food, rides, games and a spectacular fireworks show which took place at Allen Park.

On July 21, the department hosted their celebratory parade featuring 11 fire departments marching from Hempstead through local roads, ending at Allen Park. Several local fire departments and bands were on hand to show their support and congratulate the department on four successful decades.

Grand Marshals for the parade were two members of the original department, Joe Aversano and Al Posillico. Both men served for the Farmingdale Fire Department prior to having joined the S. Farmingdale Department.

Much has happened in the South Farmingdale area over the last 40 years. While the SFFD has remained, it has certainly changed through the years. They originated from just one firehouse to their current two, from an all male force to their current one consisting of men and women and a new group of junior firefighters. The department started with borrowed and donated trucks and equipment and has grown significantly.

The members of the department have responded to several fires, including the rescue in 1961, the bus crash in 1962, the Ajawan Lumber fire in 1965 in addition to fires at local schools, fires at the Liberty site and the blimp crash in 1994 and more. They have saved lives, dedicated their time and risked their lives for the benefit of the community and its residents. Congratulations to the South Farmingdale Fire Department on 40 successful years of hard work, tireless effort and endless dedication.