Volunteer fire department celebrates 100th anniversary in Edgewater Park

Edgewater Park held a celebration honoring the 100th anniversary of their volunteer fire department.
Local businesses set up shops around the perimeter of the park, along with activities and plenty of food. Other fire departments also turned up to show support.
The Edgewater Park Volunteer Fire Department is 35 members strong and has been serving the community since 1922.
"A lot of good memories with the comradery, making friends, teaching young men and women to grow up and learn how to serve their community,” said PIO Joseph Raneri.
The neighborhood is known for being hard to navigate due to its narrow streets, a challenge the department bravely faces each day.
"We have a custom apparatus that's able to get around the streets. Here in the Bronx alone, our response time is less than half of what the normal response time is in the city,” said Raneri.
Bronx Council Member Marjorie Velazquez praised the festival’s celebration of the department.
"It's exciting to see everyone, all of the little shops…the kids playing in the bounce house, and more importantly, the spirit of community is kept alive,” she said.
In addition to the food, shopping and games, there was a “fire department muster” competition with volunteer fire departments from around the city.
They department says the celebration does not stop here. They are also looking forward to their centennial dinner dance, which is scheduled for Dec. 3.