Monticello rolls out the red carpet for SCFVA

Jeanne Sager

Posted 9/9/25

alk about a big birthday blowout!

The Monticello Fire Department celebrated its sesquicentennial — aka its 150th birthday — this past Saturday by hosting the annual Sullivan …

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Monticello rolls out the red carpet for SCFVA

The Monticello Fire Department – 150 years old – proudly leads the 96th Annual Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters Assn. Parade down Broadway, Monticello on Saturday.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

ane and Rick Lake had a prime location to say thank you to the county’s emergency responders. With Broadway closed, the Monticello residents set up right in the median.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Lauren Weiner, 10, draws a chalk tribute to grandpa Charlie Weiner, a late Mountaindale firefighter, while sister Autumn, 7, stands with her grandpa’s turnout gear.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Travis Doughty is carrying on his family’s tradition of service to the Youngsville Fire Department.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

A very serious Colt Maus holds up one end of the White Sulphur Springs Fire Department banner.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Three-year-old Jason Schroeder was more than a little excited when he recognized dad (and assistant chief!) Steven in the parade. Holding Jason was his aunt, Jackie Mootz, as his mom Erika smiles beside them.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Monticello Firefighter Madison Beasley salutes her fellow volunteers from a spot along the parade route.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Posted Tuesday, September 9, 2025 6:10 am

Jeanne Sager

alk about a big birthday blowout!

The Monticello Fire Department celebrated its sesquicentennial — aka its 150th birthday — this past Saturday by hosting the annual Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters’ Association Parade.

The 96th annual parade drew fire companies, EMS corps, police departments and more from across Sullivan County and beyond.

Broadway shut down for the occasion, allowing hundreds of emergency service workers, and even a few dogs, to take over the village’s main drag as onlookers cheered. Following the parade, festivities at the firehouse on Richardson Avenue celebrated the 150 years since March 1875, when the Neptune Engine Company and Mountain Hose Company #1 were first chartered in Monticello.

Today’s department has 45 active members who leap into action when the tones sound, along with 21 auxiliary members offering them support. Heading up the department is Chief Jon Wells with Jim Gerrard III serving as his first assistant chief and Tom Snyder serving as the department’s deputy chief.