Fire Safety Night at the Reading Phillies
July 24, 2004
Firefighters and EMS Personnel took a well deserved bow before the crowds at First Energy Stadium tonight. Reading's Bravest took the field in the middle of a surprise Double Header to the cheers of the more than 9,000 in attendance, lining the infield from 1st to 3rd base.
The events for the evening began with FF S. Hart singing the Star spangled Banner before the start of game one. Throughout both games, taped messages by members of the Department welcoming the guests and conveying fire prevention tips were displayed on the big screen. After the 5th inning of game 1, 3 members, FF. D. Marks, FF S. Sayers and Medic A. Ellison, ran the bases picking up and donning a piece of fire gear along the way.
With game one finished, the main event for the department began as the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipe and Drum Band took the field. The group played for about 10 minutes and received a thunderous ovation from the stands.
As Reading's members entered from the 3rd base line, each was announced by name and rank. Nearly two thirds of the department attended including about a dozen retired members.
With everyone in place, our own Sparky, and the Phillies Characters were introduced one by one, the last being Screwball who arrived on a "Fire Engine" driven by FF M. Shoumlisky. Standing as Honor Guard, members FF K. Eschleman, FF R. Turner, FF M. Planer and FF S. Sayers marched into place and proudly displayed the colors as the Pipe and Drum Band played their final number, the Star Spangled Banner.
The events continued after the game as well. The lights in the Stadium were turned off and all were treated to a slide presentation complete with background music, depicting the work we do for the Citizens of our City. The night culminated with a tremendous display of fireworks.
We want to thank all those who helped to make this night special, including Fire Administration, the Reading Phillies organization and all the members and friends who came out to join us.
