Starting out at Fire House 3, we encountered a line up of youngsters waiting to visit the Haunted House on the 2nd floor. Captain Durrenberger was upstairs dressed in a ghoul costume and helping to give the toddlers a good time among the haunted house props. Downstairs there was a table where firemen were passing out goodies. When I asked Chief Guy Piccone about how many youngsters they expected, it being a beautifully crisp night, he guesstimated about 300. Fire Commissioner Rich Conte agreed!
The groups were sent up a blacklight decorated staircase and into the dimly lit Haunted House. Live ghouls were present as well as static displays. In the middle of the room was a semi covered coffin with a skeleton in it. On the floor was a body stretched out. A well done presentation; a well deserved round of applause.
At Fire House three where they were giving hay rides pulled by a tractor, Chief Tony Capone also guesstimated about 300 toddlers. Fire Commissioner Rich Conte agreed. Of course I had to go on a hayride and was treated to a tractor pulled wagon packed with hay. Around the outside perimeter and through the firehouse bays we went for about 5 minutes.
The 25 or so parents and Halloween dressed youngsters thoroughly enjoyed it. The company ride had been going full strength since 5 PM with wagonload after wagonload of wayfarers. I did not ask Fire Commissioner Rich Conte about these figures! Candy, cookies and sodas were de rigueur at each fire house.
From there we went over to the Paramus Rescue Squad where there was action all over the place. First things first, I had to have one of their delicious hot dogs before observing the festivities. John and Peter Pecoraro were there making sure that everything was okay. Inside the building, they had a games master who involved all the kids. Outside TV shows emanated from one of their vehicles and the kids were enthralled. A vehicle offering pumpkins donated by Greenland Nursery was on hand outside.
One wonders: who had a better time, the kids or the presenters? Thank you Paramus volunteers. Thank you Paramus for ensuring the safety of our youth!
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