02/28/2026
UPDATE!!!
We have finalized the details for the parade honoring Harry “Pete” Gray.
Saturday, March 7th at 1:00 PM, rain or shine.
The staging area will be T.A. Nelson’s Bus Line. Apparatus should arrive there prior to lineup. We will begin pulling out of the staging area at 12:55 PM.
The parade route will travel Main Street to Walnut Street, which will lead directly past Pete’s home.
After passing the house, apparatus will have the option to leave the parade route by turning left or right onto Leisenring Vanderbilt Road, or you may remain and park in the Dickerson Run, Liberty & Vanderbilt Volunteer Fire Department parking lot across the street.
Community members are welcome to line Walnut Street to help show Pete just how much he means to this community.
Please continue to share the original post so we can spread the word to as many departments as possible.
We also ask that this remain a surprise for Pete.
Let’s come together as a community and fire service family to give Pete the thank you he deserves.
Original Post
For over 60 years, Harry “Pete” Gray has answered the call.
He has served the Dickerson Run, Liberty & Vanderbilt Volunteer Fire Department with dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment. Over the decades, Pete has held every leadership role within our department, except Chaplain, faithfully guiding, mentoring, and standing beside generations of firefighters. He has been a steady presence, a trusted voice, and a true pillar of our organization.
Pete has given the fire service a lifetime of commitment. Now it is our turn to show him what he means to all of us.
We are planning a fire department parade past his home so he can watch from his porch and see firsthand the respect and gratitude he has earned over six decades of service.
This is an open invitation to any fire department that would like to participate.
We are aiming for Saturday, March 7th. Due to weather and circumstances, final details and confirmation will be shared as we get closer to the date.
If your department is interested in taking part, please reach out so we can coordinate staging and timing.
We ask that this remain a surprise for Pete. Please be mindful of discussing details publicly so we can preserve this special moment for him.
Please share this post to help us spread the word throughout the fire service. Let’s make sure every department that would like to take part has the opportunity to do so.
Let’s come together to honor a man who has helped shape our department and our community for more than 60 years.
Shane Lynn
Chief