Photos and text by GNYR Florida correspondent, Marty Goffe
Sunday, October 11th, marked the seventh consecutive year of FIRST RESPONDERS RECOGNITION DAY held at West Palm Beach Fire Department Station 7. For this convergence of seven, the theme of the day was, ” The Seventh At Seven.”
As usual, local car owners were invited to the event since these vehicles represented an Americana salute honoring our first responders. Twenty-two vehicles were present in addition to three collectible fire apparatus. First responders honored were firefighters, para- medics, police officers, Florida Forestry firefighters and civilian volunteers of Citizens On Patrol, a police department observation unit.
Some of the cars which drew the attention of visitors were a 1950 “bullet nose” Studebaker in Number 1 condition, a 1934 Mercedes Benz repro convertible coupe, a 1966 Amphicar, a number of Corvettes, and a hardly ever seen 1981 Checker taxicab — genuine — not made up — a veteran of service on the streets of New York City. The last Checkers were assembled in 1982.
FIRST RESPONDERS RECOGNITION DAY was originated and continues to be coordinated by GNYR member Marty Goffe who was a firefighter with the Oceanside Fire Department on Long Island.