Members of the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad cleaned and polished Ambulance 799, EMS 79 and GATOR 79 for the Potomac River Festival Fire/Rescue Parade in Colonial Beach, Virginia. On Friday, June 10, a crew of 3 members loaded the apparatus and made the journey.

If you are not familiar with this parade or have never attended the Potomac River Festival, this is a great family experience. The parade is unique in a couple of ways from most Fire/Rescue parades. First, each unit is judged prior to the parade. Judges are not only looking at how clean the equipment is but also test the knowledge of the crews who attend. Second, participating units not only have their emergency lights activated but sirens as well! Definitely bring ear plugs!

The crew from Hollywood was also pleased to be positioned in the parade near our friends from Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad. Last year, their 1969 GMC Ambulance was right in front of Ambulance 799. This year, they were behind us, but it was great to see that beautifully restored Ambulance!

The hard work paid off well for Hollywood this year as we received the following awards:

1st Place Rescue Squad Coming The Longest Distance
1st Place Specialty for GATOR 79
1st Place Best Appearing BLS Ambulance for Ambulance 799
1st Place Best Appearing Rescue Squad Out of State
Best Appearing Rescue Squad Overall

A huge thank you to the members that helped prepare for this parade. We're already looking forward to the 2017 Potomac River Festival!