Your friendly neighborhood firemen at open house

The Winslow Township Fire Department hosted its annual open house on June 15, a family friendly event that gave residents the opportunity to meet firefighters and tour the station.

Participants got to see fire trucks and equipment up close, while local vendors offered giveaways such as plastic firefighter helmets for children. There were interactive activities and the department handed out flyers on fire safety.

Crowds gathered in the department’s parking lot to watch firefighters perform a live simulated vehicle extrication using rescue tools. An educational safety presentation showed residents how to prevent fires, create home escape plans and use a fire extinguisher.

Attendees at the open house also mingled with representatives from community organizations and the township. School board member and vice president Cheryl Pitts shared her thoughts on the importance of community engagement in Winslow.

“I think an event like this is great,” she said of the open house, “because it gives the community an opportunity to come in and learn a lot about the importance of how the fire department operates. It allows firefighters an opportunity to meet neighbors other than when they have to rescue them.”

“It’s community-friendly,” Pitts added. “It’s family-friendly, and I think that’s what Winslow is all about.”

Pitts was joined by fellow member Rita Martin at a booth representing the board.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to see all that’s going on with firefighters, EMS personnel and first responders,” she noted. “It’s an opportunity to see them in a comfortable setting rather than during an emergency, when they’re out doing their jobs.

“It’s a nice opportunity to come in, meet them and talk with them about what it is they do.”

Township Deputy Fire Chief Steve Silcott was also on hand to greet residents.

“We host this event to give the community an opportunity to come in, see the firehouse, see the equipment and see what we do,” he explained. “The firefighters and I love the opportunity to interact with everyone, and it’s just a nice night before the end of the school year.”