Meadville Tribune

Local News

June 30, 2007

Crowd lines streets to honor area VFD's

07/01/07 — Click image for slideshow




COCHRANTON — It was a proud moment for Debbie Sheatz of Cochranton as she watched her father, Walter “Boots” Dunn, receive a shiny plaque for his dedication to the Cochranton Volunteer Fire Department.

Dunn, who was a grand marshal in Cochranton’s parade Saurday, had served eight years as a fire chief for the fire department and was one of several individuals recognized during a day-long celebration Saturday commemorating the volunteer fire department’s 75th year.

“This is exciting for Cochranton,” said Sheatz. “It brings people to Cochranton. They’re (Cochranton Volunteer Fire Department) just a good group of people and they do a lot of positive things. It’s a great service to the community.”

More than 50 volunteer fire department departments from Crawford, Erie, Mercer and Venango counties showcased their fire trucks in the parade.

Ken Seeley, of Titusville, enjoyed attending the community’s celebration. “I’ve always like Cochranton,” he said. “It’s a nice, quiet town. To me, this is small town America and that’s what I like about it. There’s good patriotism being shown that I haven’t seen in a long time.”

And it wasn’t just area residents lining the streets of Cochranton. Paul and Beverly Marnecheck, who have a cottage in the area, traveled from Cleveland, Ohio, to attend the event.

“We support Crawford County and we’re just happy to be here,” said Beverly. “I think it’s a beautiful day for a parade. They couldn’t ask for a better day.”

“We’re not residents, but we feel like it,” said Paul. “You get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”

Candy tossed out during the parade was an added bonus for 13-year-old Skyler Bradley, of Cochranton. “It’s nice because they give candy to all of the kids,” he said.

Bradley’s mother, Patty Roberts, enjoyed seeing the community support the local fire department. “I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “They’re very dedicated and they love their community. It brings everyone together.”

Festival highlights at the Cochranton Fairgrounds included a flea market, crafts and vendors, a fire/ambulance services swap meet, an ox roast dinner, fire truck tours, water battles and games, bingo and a car show.

Text Only
Local News
Business Marquee
AP Video
Raw Video: Kim Jong Il Statue Unveiled Trial Opens for Ala. Man in Bride's Diving Death Baltimore's 'Crime Stopper' Is a Basketball Star Raw Video: Hearse Arrives at N.J. Funeral Home Authorities: Houston Found Underwater in Tub Arm Wrestler Not Guilty Plea in Wife's Death Raw Video: Houston Body Flown From L.A. to N.J. First Person: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Obama's New Budget: The Winners and Losers Gregoire: Marriage Equality Is Right for Wash. Bacteria Keep Swimmers Off Some Fla. Beaches Police: Houston Found Under Water, Unconscious Sandusky Can See Grandkids, Have Local Jury Obama Unveils $3.8 Trillion Budget Raw Video: Israeli Embassy Car Attacked Coroner: Don't Know Houston's Cause of Death Yet Valentine Greetings Sent Worldwide From Loveland Greek Austerity Measures Spark Riots Raw Video: Obama Budget Goes to Capitol Hill Arab League Wants U.N. Help in Syria
Poll

A clean-energy plan to use solar energy in eastern Pennsylvania has been met with resistance, even by environmental groups. Do you think solar energy has a future as a valuable energy source in Pennsylvania?

Yes, as the technology improves (and is needed), get these systems up and running as quickly as possible.
Yes, and the efficient, clean energy is needed — but take some time to do it right and environment-friendly.
No, solar energy is not the right choice for Pennsylvania; the environmental risk is too great.
     View Results
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
Stocks