As the fire trucks roared down Cross Road for Fire District No. 3’s Halloween Bash parade, RJ Fernandes followed with his own ride.

Dressed as a sheriff, the three-year-old rode his own John Deere. The toy tractor was decked out in real-working emergency lights, inspired by his father Rick Fernandes, who is a firefighter.

RJ is still trying to pin down whether he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps as a firefighter – he was a firefighter for Halloween last year – or begin a career in law enforcement, but for now he’s happy with the candy he received at the parade.

He joined about 70 other kids in the parade. Led by the Dartmouth High marching band, the procession of marchers and fire trucks ran from the District No. 3 fire station, up Cross Road to the Potter School, and back to the station.

After the parade, the kids were treated to a show by magician Skip Daniels. Afterward, each kid left with a bag full of candy donated by the district’s firefighters.

It gives the kids a safe environment to get together with their families, said Fire Chief Richard Arruda.

Arruda said the annual parade dates to the early 20th century. Back then, the fire station was on Route 6, so the parade would run to the Gidley School on Tucker Road and back, he said.