Budd Lake Fire Earns Second Place at Boonton Parade

— September 5 — A Morris County fire department's weeks of cleaning, detailing, and preparation paid off when their specialized apparatus placed second in the Boonton Fire Department's 135th anniversary parade for Best Appearing specialized Apparatus.

After the parade on Saturday, September 5, in Boonton, New Jersey, the Budd Lake Volunteer Fire Department announced the award on September 6. Members spent weeks getting the specialized equipment ready for the occasion, according to the agency.

Boonton's annual Labor Day Weekend parade included fire companies, marching bands, community groups, floats and antique apparatus. The parade stepped off at 1:30 p.m. and traveled along Main Street before ending at the Boonton High School field. Apparatus judging took place earlier in the day, with trophies presented that afternoon.

The 2026 parade marked the 135th anniversary of the Boonton Fire Department, which was founded in 1891. The department's Labor Day celebration also included a community carnival, with proceeds supporting the all-volunteer fire department.

Budd Lake firefighters credited their volunteers for the award, noting the members who arrived early, stayed late and put in the work needed to have the apparatus ready for judging.