A salute to New York’s bravest

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York celebrated the 125th anniversary of its home base in Hudson with a parade, barbecue and firematic drill races.

The event, which started in the evening Friday with station inspections conducted by the fire chiefs, was also a celebration of the Hudson Fire Department’s 161st annual Inspection Day Parade Committees.

The parade kicked off early Saturday morning with vintage fire trucks, and then bands and representatives from fire departments from around the state, starting from Green Street to Warren Street, then on to Short Street and home to the Fireman’s Home and Firefighting Museum on Harry Howard Avenue.

People ate barbecue and bought T-shirts and other swag to help support the union as the DJ played music and announced winners of the 50/50 raffle.

“It was great. We got to see a lot of fire trucks, now I’m going to eat with my family,” said Sean Connor, of Hudson. “I have lived in Hudson for about 10 years now. I always try to support the local fire department when I can.”