The contributions by retired Police Chief Thomas P. McNamara Jr. and retired Fire Chief John J. Flaherty will be recalled.
Jeffrey Joseph (top)and Daniel Patton set one of the wheels into place on old time fire engine for the St Patrick's Parade float for West Springfield. (The Republican photo by John Suchocki) Members of the St. Patrick’s Committee of West Springfield are busy building a float for the March 18 St. Patrick’s Parade in Holyoke that will be dedicated to two men who were heroes in the local Irish community.
They are retired Police Chief Thomas P. McNamara Jr. and retired Fire Chief John J. Flaherty. Both passed away over the last year and had served as marshals for West Springfield’s contingent to the Holyoke parade.
A crew is creating a replica of an antique fire apparatus in deference to Flaherty, according to William C. Joseph, president of the West Springfield group.
“We thought it would be a good tribute to them,” Joseph said.
And the enthusiasm among those building the float is strong.
“We’re cranked. It is going to be cool, very cool,” Joseph said of the float. He noted that West Springfield frequently takes such accolades as first place float in the Holyoke parade.
Riding on the float will be the West Springfield Colleen and her court. They are Colleen Theresa Marie Strain and court members Siena Elizabeth Tansey, Mallarie Sue Charbonneau, Melissa Beth LaFlamme and Samantha Gayle DiStefano.
The contingent will be led by this year’s marshal, James M. Conlin. He is one of the founders of the St. Patrick’s Committee of West Springfield, which was started in 1984.
Also taking part in the parade will be this year’s Citizenship Award winners Michael D. and Rose A. Desrosiers. That award is given to a person or people in town of non-Irish descent who make a significant contribution to the community. Among the couple’s many good works is the free breakfast they put on.
Liquori’s Pizza received this year’s Mittineague Award, given to a business that contributes to the community. Liquori’s supports sports teams and makes charitable contributions.
Dan Patten was given this year’s Jinx Powers Award, which is for a person on the West Springfield committee’s board of directors who has made significant contributions to the effort.