Delaware Valley Judges Association Judge Michael Wentz inspects Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company Rescue 4741 with Lehigh Township Fire Commissioner Rick Hildebrand, while junior firefighter Michael Sheats observes, during the sixth annual Fireman’s Parade, held July 20 during Northampton Community Days. In addition to the parade, each apparatus is judged on functionality and apparatus operator knowledge. The vehicle won first place in the rescue category.

PRESS PHOTOS BY DONNA GEWERTZLeading the annual parade is the fleet from Northampton Fire Department.

Allen Township Fire Company’s brush unit 4542 is opened for judging, as firefighters Michael Jamicky and Kyle Goodhead stand ready to answer questions.

Jimmy Young, of Lehighton Fire Department, receives a trophy for his department, presented by Northampton Fire Department Battalion Chief Tom Gehringer, parade organizer.

Lehigh Township Fire Department personnel display their awards, including a second-place special judges award, first-place traffic unit, first-place brush unit, first-place rescue and first-place special service unit.

Spectators from the Khuu and Ragland families, of Northampton and Lehigh Township, wave to firefighters from Palmerton Fire Department.

The father and son firefighting duo of First Assistant Fire Chief Mark Kocher and firefighter Ryan Kocher, of Allen Township Fire Company, await judging July 20 during the sixth annual Fireman’s Parade, held in conjunction with Northampton Community Days. In addition to the parade that winds around the borough of Northampton, each apparatus is judged on functionality and apparatus operator knowledge. The fire department’s newest vehicle, a Pierce 2023 engine with an elevating 65-foot snozzle, won first place in the rescue category.