KENT, Conn. — The doors of Kent Volunteer Fire Department were open wide the evening of Saturday, June 14, to welcome guests to the popular Firemen’s Ball.
Approximately 300 guests poured into the spacious firehouse, where round tables decorated with red tablecloths, an assortment of raffle prizes, and a dinner of roast beef and fixings awaited them.
Josette St. Orange of Wingdale, N.Y., peruses the raffle items donated by individuals and businesses for the Kent Volunteer Fire Department’s Firemen’s Ball. Photo by Deborah RoseResident Cesar Brito serves himself a plate of hors d’oeuvres. Photo by Deborah Rose Themed raffle prizes such as a “Let’s Go Camping” basket are displayed for guests at the ball. Photo by Deborah RoseDan Schiesel, left, and Bruce Hoheb review a story posted on their phones while they catch up at the event. Photo by Deborah RoseGuests from New Milford’s Water Witch Hose Co. #2 donned tropical attire for the festivities. Above, New Milford Fire Marshal Kevin Reynolds joins friends for a photo during the event. Guests enjoy an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Photo by Deborah RoseLee and Jim Sohl are the first to take to the dance floor at the popular Kent Volunteer Fire Department’s Firemen’s Ball. Photo by Deborah RoseKVFD Engineer John Christen mans the cooker. Photo by Deborah RoseNew Milford’s Water Witch Hose Co. #2 member Gordon Newkirk and his fiancée, Marissa, are proud to have their photo in front of Kent Volunteer Fire Department’s new Engine 7 Tanker. Photo by Deborah RoseManuel Trillo, of Arosa Ballroom Dance Studio in Wilton, and Kent resident Lynn Gray show their fancy footwork on the dance floor. Photo by Deborah RoseKent Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary members Lynn Flynn and her granddaughters, Hayley, 9, and Isabella, 11, mingle with guests prior to the department’s Grand March. Photo by Deborah RoseResident Dan Greenbaum pays for raffle tickets on his phone while at the ball. Photo by Deborah RoseFire Chief Alan Gawel, left, and Assistant Chief Gary Hock participate in the Grand March at the conclusion of the cocktail hour. Photo by Deborah RoseFrom left to right, Fire Chief Alan Gawel, Assistant Chief Gary Hock, Assistant Chief Wendell Soule, and Ambulance Chief Mary Ann VanValkenburg stand at attention during the National Anthem at the Kent Volunteer Fire Department’s Firemen’s Ball. Photo by Deborah RoseGuests stand to honor the Kent Volunteer Fire Department after they march into the firehouse. Photo by Deborah RoseMembers of the Kent Volunteer Fire Department exit the firehouse after the short formal portion of the event. Photo by Deborah RoseJulie Chang, right, and other guests make their way through the dinner buffet line at the ball. Photo by Deborah RoseOfficers and members of the Kent Volunteer Fire Department, from left, member Sarah Chase, Lieutenant Peter Bernard, Lieutenant Lou Dingee, and member Shelby McBride serve guests a dinner of roast beef, among other fare at the event, Photo by Deborah Rose
Deborah Rose is a lifelong writer, photographer, poet and award-winning journalist. As assistant editor of the Kent Dispatch, she brings us more than 25 years in community journalism and, as a lifelong...
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