Lake Parsippany Fire District Celebrates Its Ladies

Saturday was a red-letter day for Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company that brought more than 700 visitors to its Halsey Road firehouse for a wet and wild event probably not envisioned three-quarters of a century ago.

The story begins in 1937, shortly after the fire company known as District 3 celebrated its first anniversary, when its Ladies Auxiliary was established and received its charter.

Today, members say the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary is as active and involved as ever.

The primary function of the members is to be there for the firefighters when they are working to protect the township, providing the lifesaving volunteers with food, drinks and moral support. The Auxiliary also organizes District 3 events, such as Atlantic City junkets, the annual Golf Outing luncheon, the company's Pancake Breakfast and more.

To mark the 75th anniversary of the Auxiliary—and to celebrate the purchase of a new District 3 pumper—the fire company held a wetdown that brought hundreds from around the township and other fire districts to the firehouse.

A wetdown is a grand tradition for American volunteer fire departments: When new fire apparatus is obtained, such as the Lake Parsippany company's brand-new 2012 Pierce Quantum top-mount pumper, firefighters gather to christen the machine by spraying it with water from visiting companies' firefighting equipment.

Among the attendees at Saturday's wetdown were Mayor James Barberio and 26th District Asw. BettyLou DeCroce, who presented proclamations to honor the company and its Ladies Auxiliary.