Honoring the area�s first responders, including a Jewish volunteer who died last week in a tragic accident, a flashing fire truck with a Chanukah menorah strapped to its top led the way in a procession of fire trucks, police cars and EMS ambulances that took part in the Chanukah parade in Upper Montgomery County, Md.

Hundreds joined in the procession�organized by Chabad of Upper Montgomery County in Gaithersburg, Md., and the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department�geared to promote awareness of the holiday. After the parade, speakers memorialized Sander Cohen, 33, a deputy chief state fire marshal and a lieutenant with the Rockville department; and Carlos Wolff, 36, a supervisory special agent in the district office of the FBI. Both men were killed on Dec. 8 when they were struck by a vehicle as they stood on the shoulder of a local highway.

Starting off from the Rockville fire station, the parade route made stops in local communities and at the Chanukah Wonderland event being held at a local shopping center.

The parade was followed by a community-wide event featuring live music and a fire-juggling show, which led to the outdoor community menorah-lighting ceremony. There, Upper Montgomery County�s first responders were recognized for their extraordinary work on a daily basis.

�First responders play a critical role in caring for our community,� said Rabbi Sholom Raichik, co-director with his wife, Chana, of Chabad of Upper Montgomery County and the event�s organizer. �Chanukah is all about spreading light and goodness�making it an opportune time to honor the work of these great individuals, who serve as a beacon of light and kindness in our community.�

(Source: Chabad.org/Photos-David Hartzman)