Berkley Fire Rescue Announces Cancellation of Father’s Day Parade and Muster

BERKLEY — Chief Scott Fournier and Berkley Fire Rescue regret to inform community members that the annual Father’s Day parade and fire muster has been canceled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The annual Father’s Day parade and fire muster has been a tradition for the past four decades. Berkley has held parades and musters since the 1960s, but it became an annual Father’s day event in 1981.

Each year Berkley Fire Rescue begins its parade at one fire station and drives across town to the other fire station. Surrounding towns participate in the parade as well.

Following the parade, Berkley Fire Rescue hosts its fire muster. The fire muster consists of competitive firefighter games and surrounding towns also create teams to participate.

Games include dry hose lay, wet hose lay, ladder climb and a midnight alarm. The midnight alarm is an activity that simulates getting out of bed, responding to a fire scene and performing a rescue. 

The town who is crowned the winner receives bragging rights until the following year. 

“The cancellation of these events saddens us as it is a tradition not only for our fire personnel, but for our community as well,” said Chief Fournier. “Our fire service is steeped in tradition and this is one of our longest traditions. It’s unfortunate to see it canceled, but we believe the cancellation is the safest choice to ensure the health of our fire personnel and community.”

Additionally, as of June 1, Berkley Fire Rescue will no longer participate in birthday parades as COVID-19 restrictions begin to be lessened.

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