CROWN POINT | The Fourth of July has always been Nicole Aubuchon's favorite holiday. This one will be unforgettable.

The young Crown Point woman received the shock of her life on Wednesday as she watched Crown Point's Fourth of July parade, when Lakes of the Four Seasons fire Lt. Kevin LaDuke sprang from a department firetruck and proposed marriage.

Her response couldn't be heard above the blasting of the sirens and horns of the emergency vehicles in the parade, but from her flowing tears and the nodding of her head, it was clear the answer was "yes."

It was a clandestine operation the CIA would be proud of. Friends and family, who were in on the surprise, had gathered at Nicole's grandmother's house on South Main Street to witness the event.

"I thought it would be better to do it in front of the whole family," said LaDuke, who came up with the idea several weeks ago. "I'm relieved. I can't believe we kept it a secret for so long."

Kevin's buddies at the fire station also were in on the secret, as many of them drew their cameras and snapped pictures from the truck when the big question was popped.

The bride-to-be had no idea what was coming.

"I didn't even see him get off the truck at first. I was talking to my nephew."

The couple who have been dating for about four years will now set a date for their marriage. Maybe the Fourth of July? As they say "Only in America."