Latest news with #ScrantonSt.Patrick'sParade
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Scranton Fire Lt. Hopkins remembered as a role model
A beloved Scranton Fire Department lieutenant died Sunday after battling Stage 4 esophageal cancer, leaving a legacy as a caring firefighter in his community and a role model within his department. Lt. Kelly 'Hoppy' Hopkins, 63, died Sunday morning, Fire Chief John Judge said. Hopkins joined the Scranton Fire Department on Jan. 6, 1986, rising through the ranks to become the senior lieutenant, Judge said. 'This is a guy who loved going to work and loved being able to help people,' Judge said. 'He's touched so many people in the community.' Hopkins was a father, grandfather and second-generation firefighter. The Scranton fire union, the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 60, announced Hopkins' passing in a statement posted to Facebook on Sunday. 'It is with incredible sadness that SFD Local 60 is announcing the line of duty death (esophageal cancer) of member Lt. Kelly 'Hoppy' Hopkins,' the union wrote. 'Kelly was a firefighter's firefighter. He was a husband, father, leader, and a prominent community figure. You could go almost anywhere in the country and if someone found out you are a Scranton firefighter, they would always immediately ask, 'Do you know Kelly Hopkins?'' In September, the fire union organized a 'Raise some Hell for Hoppy' fundraiser for Hopkins at Montage Mountain Resort following his cancer diagnosis, where Hopkins and his family received an outpouring of support from the community. 'Hoppy was the quintessential friend to anyone and would do anything for those that he loved,' the union post said. 'During Parade Day, Hoppy's favorite, marchers would hear 'HEY HOPPY!' more times than one could count.' Scranton Fire Department Lt. Kelly Hopkins is all smiles as he marches with the firefighters during the Scranton St. Patrick's Parade on Saturday, March 19, 2022. (TIMES-TRIBUNE FILE) While firefighters can become proficient in their profession through training, the ability to care like Hopkins can't be taught, Judge said. 'The caring — you either have it or you don't,' he said. 'Kelly had that from day one that he got on here until his final days.' Hopkins loved his job and was always a positive influence, viewing the Fire Department as a second family, said Judge, who worked with Hopkins for more than two decades. 'He was always smiling,' the fire chief said. 'I don't think I ever saw him angry.' Judge hopes people will take that mindset and carry it with them. 'The funny thing about Kelly is, everybody here, no matter if it's (Assistant Chief) Jeff White, who's been here 45 years, or the brand new guy who's been here a year, they all had some type of story to remember Kelly by,' Judge said. 'In the culture and the world we live (in) right now, we need more Kellys in the world to keep it a little bit lighter.' However, when it was time to deal with an emergency, Kelly was a passionate, aggressive, skilled firefighter, Judge said, calling him 'a guy you wanted to be following into places.' 'He was part of the fabric that makes up this community,' he said. New firefighters took comfort in the fact that Hopkins would make sure they made it home safe at night, Judge said. When firefighters conclude their careers, they want to be remembered as 'good firefighters,' and everyone will remember Hopkins as one, Judge said. 'He made people feel positive, and not taking themselves too seriously,' he said. 'He didn't do that on purpose — it was just his nature to smile about everything.' Firefighters will share stories about Hopkins for decades, Judge said. 'To know him well was a gift,' he said. 'His legacy will live on in the stories that we'll tell for years.'
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Volunteers restoring wildlife habitat, cleaning up dumped tires
GLEN LYON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A group of volunteers in Luzerne County is restoring a local wildlife habitat by cleaning up illegally dumped tires. About 30 volunteers gathered on Sunday at State Gamelands in Glen Lyon, tackling piles of old tires left behind an area that was once the scene of illegal dumping. Backcountry hunters and anglers organized the event with help from the PA Game Commission. WATCH: 🍀Scranton St. Patrick's Parade 2025🍀 The goal is to restore critical habitat for wildlife and outdoor recreation. Last year, the group removed 600 tires in just four hours. Heavy machinery was brought in again on Sunday to help haul out more waste. Organizers say this was one of several cleanup events planned across eastern Pennsylvania. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pews filled for Annual Saint Patrick's Parade Day Mass in Scranton
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Leading up to the parade, the pews were full Saturday morning for the Annual Saint Patrick's Parade Day Mass at Saint Peter's Cathedral in Scranton. Bishop Bambera led the mass, along with various priests from the Diocese of Scranton. Local organizations also participated, including the Ancient Order of Hiberians, Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, and the Saint Patrick's Parade Association of Lackawanna County. WATCH: 🍀Scranton St. Patrick's Parade 2025🍀 'I've been coming to this mass since I was 14 years old. I haven't missed a parade day in as far back as I can remember, and I think it's just a great way to remember what today is all about, our irish catholic tradition in the community, and to really come together of all different walks of live and kind of start the day this way,' said Scranton resident Maggie Perry. For those who were unable to attend, the mass will be rebroadcast several times throughout the week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What Scranton businesses have to offer for Parade Day
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— The anticipation is building as the city of Scranton prepares for its 63 annual St. Patrick's Parade and local businesses are gearing up for what promises to be one of the busiest days of the year! From beefing up security to piling up the inventory, local businesses are all set to welcome the massive crowds for one of the biggest days of the year. Irish groups prepare for Scranton St. Patrick's Parade Downtown Scranton is buzzing with excitement as bars, restaurants, and hotels along the parade route prepare for an influx of parade-goers. Local businesses like Backyard Alehouse are ramping up for a day full of music, food, and festivities. 'Its really exciting, lots of people,' said Jeff Keating, Bar Manager, Backyard Alehouse. 'We get extra staff we bump up security and everything like that. There's always something going on here especially on parade day, we have bands and DJs throughout the day from open to close,' added Keating. And it won't be just DJs, bag piper bands are expected to make a trip into bars as well. Over at the Hilton on Adams Avenue, the excitement is just as high as employees check-in hundreds of guests for the weekend. 'We have people all over the area come to check like all over the country actually just come down here for St. Patrick's Day we've been sold out for months in advance,' explained Nico Nocera, Social Media Manager, Hilton Scranton. Along with its no-cover tradition, the Hilton is setting up an outdoor concession stand, offering Irish cuisine alongside quick grab-and-go options. 'We always say we have the beat seat in town, you come in you cant miss anything with our windows, outside with the concession stand' said Nocera. Bartari, right in the heart of the parade route, is adopting a different approach by keeping its dining and gaming experience intact. 'We're right in the parade route, we'll have bands during the parade and we do something a little bit different, we leave all the tables in, all the games in, so people can come in and actually grab a meal instead of having to stand and drink,' stated JP Heim, Owner, Bartari. From the Backyard Alehouse to the Hilton and Bartari, and all the other local spots in between, everyone is prepared to offer a unique Irish themed experience on the big day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Yahoo
Police preparing for parade day in Scranton
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Officials in Scranton are ramping up security measures for the upcoming Scranton St. Patrick's Parade. Their efforts follow the January terrorist attack in New Orleans, when a man drove a pickup truck through a crowd of people, killing more than a dozen, and injuring many others. Scranton Police Chief Thomas Carroll says that public safety is always a priority on parade day, and this year, following the deadly terror attack in New Orleans, staying safe is top of mind for everyone. Students, lawmakers react to Penn State closures 'We want Scranton residents, we want the greater area that is going to come to the parade to know that we're taking public safety very serious,' stated Chief Carroll. Following the deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans, the Scranton Police Department prepared an all-hazards plan for this year's St. Patrick's Parade in the city. The annual event draws in thousands of people from NEPA and beyond. Parade President Thomas Gilbride says the Scranton Police Department has been reviewing their plans with the parade committee. 'They have a good plan, every year they put a good plan out. We know the plan. We meet like this every year. We're well aware of what they are doing,' said Gilbride. Area DPW, fire crews, Pennsylvania State Police and other emergency services partners are ready to assist. 'As you work your way around on parade day, you will see a lot of the security features that are in place, and you'll miss many of them that are in place. Our plan is a layered security plan,' explained Chief Carroll. Chief Carroll says while human behavior can't be predicted, the Scranton Police Department will be working around the clock to try to ensure everyone can celebrate safely. 'We wanna make sure everybody feels safe, that's the important part for the citizens that come, you bring your families. I want you to feel safe. I want you to enjoy Scranton. We want you to enjoy the parade,' emphasized Chief Carroll. The parade steps off at 11:45 am on Saturday March 8. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
