Fire department car show moved to Sunday

The Patchogue Fire Department will be hosting their second annual car show, this year, in honor of former fire chief Paul Felice, who died last year.

“We changed the name after Paul passed away to honor him; he was instrumental,” said firefighter Dan Brooks, organizer of the car show.

The car show will continue to feature classics, muscle and sports cars, as well as fire apparatuses and specialty cars like the bat mobile.

In addition to the cars, Brooks said, recruitment will be on display with the hopes of attracting members. There will also be a 50/50 and raffle baskets.

“It’s all about family fun,” he added.

Felice, who died at 87, was a car enthusiast and played a large role in the creation of the car show at the fire department. 

“No doubt, our dad will be shining down on the PFD Paul Felice Car Show with tremendous gratitude and community pride,” said his daughter, Karen Felice Smith.

“Dr. Joyce Brothers once said, ‘When you look at your life, the greatest happiness is family happiness.’ Paulie loved his family, which included his Patchogue Fire Department family. Renaming their second annual car show in his memory is an honor that would have brought this lifelong auto mechanic and lover of cars and trucks great joy!” his wife Margaret F. Felice, added. “We are so pleased he was able to enjoy the inaugural show last year and thank the officers and members for loving him as dearly as he loved them.” 

“Renaming the PFD Car Show in dad’s name is quite simply a ‘thumbs-up’ event,” daughter Cheryl A. Felice continued. “Family, friends, and the fire department! Nothing would have made him happier!”

Brooks, who continues to organize the event, is also a lover of older vehicles and antique fire trucks. He chairs the car show committee. The first event was held last year, in 2022.

Due to rain, the event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Patchogue Village’s Main Street, at the Four Corners to Maple Avenue. Trophies will also be awarded for People’s Choice Award, Best in Show, Best Pickup, Best Muscle Car, Best Restoration/Modified, and Farthest Traveled. There will also be live music by Killin Time.

Free admission for spectators. Registration is at the Patchogue Village parking lot across from Temple Beth El. (Contact Dan Brooks at PatchogueFDCarShow@gmail.com.) All proceeds benefit the department.