Blaze the Dog high fives a child during the open house at Memorial Park. The mascot hung around to interact with families, too.
Several fire trucks were on display at the open house, including an antique vehicle from Almonesson Lake Fire Company.
The Deptford fire department hosted its annual fire prevention open house on Oct. 4 at Memorial Park, to raise awareness of fire safety and kick off Fire Prevention Week.
Each of the companies associated with the department – Blackwood Terrace Union, Oak Valley, Almonesson Lake, Helping Hand, New Sharon and Tacoma – had representatives on hand to talk with the public and educate them on the importance of fire prevention. Fire cadets also appeared.
Fire Prevention Week took place from Oct. 5 to Oct. 11. One of the displays at the open house was a trailer that simulated what it’s like to be in a smoky house and how to get out safely.
“They’ll get what we got in the township,” said Battalion Chief Jason Kell, who organized the event. “They’ll understand more about the equipment we have and be interested in joining.”
Fire trucks were on display to showcase firefighter gear and equipment, and guests got a look inside some of the vehicles. They were also able to try on gear.
The event was not just about showing how the department combats fires, but also to engage possible recruits. Last year ‘s open house drew five new recruits, according to Kell, each assigned to one of the department’s units.
“Everybody’s here,” noted volunteer Fire Chief Rick Thomas. “All the trucks are here, all the officers, all the members are here so they can meet everybody. Here’s what Deptford’s got, here’s what Deptford does, can you fill the boots?
“You can do the fire police, you can do the canteen, you can do the administrative stuff at firehouses,” he added of the department’s many roles. You don’t have to fight fires, cut people out of cars and stuff like that.
“There’s more than just getting on a firetruck and running to a job.”
