Belvidere Fire Dept. Open House successfully reaches out to the community

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Republican
Firefighters demonstrate their skills at rope opera-tions by rappelling down the side of the fire station during the open house.

Editor

The Belvidere Fire Department held their 4^th annual Open House on Sunday, Oct. 7 to kick off National Fire Safety Week. Despite the early misty/rainy morning, the cool breeze blew the rain away in time for the 1 p.m. start of the event.

The BFD Honor Guard marched a short distance along State St before turning beside the fire station to lead the crowd into the back parking area for the fun and festivities. A moment of silence was called for to honor those firefighters who had lost their lives this year throughout the country. The National Anthem was played for the crowd who all stood with hands on hearts or with a salute to honor this country’s flag.

The firefighters took the opportunity to showcase and demonstrate their capabilities to the citizens who employ and count on them much to the delight of their guests.

The BFD Extrication Team demonstrated what is involved in removing a car from around a crash victim so they can reach and tend that person. They used the “Jaws of Life” and numerous other tools to take that car apart and free the (imaginary in this case) victim. It was truly impressive.

Firefighters then demonstrated how they train with Rope Operations. They displayed their skills by rappelling off the roof of the fire station, even going inverted (upside down) for a time before completing their controlled drop to the ground to the applause of the crowd.

Inside the station, volunteers handed out information, painted faces, and applied temporary tattoos. Two comfort dogs, Eunice and

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Republican
Kids could not get enough of spraying the ‘fires’ in the house and car facades to put them out.

Mary, had a constant stream of visitors. The entire station was thrown open to guests. The Training Room, engine bay, and upstairs areas including the kitchen, sleeping cots, workout equipment, and other rooms were visited by hundreds of guests as they learned more about the daily lives of the firefighters.

Behind the station, the firefighters planned numerous fun activities for the kids and adults. Guests were able to hold and spray a fire hose, and adults (over age 12) were able to learn how to use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire. A giant bounce house was on site and free ice cream and granola bars were available. Kids could use fire hoses to put out “fires” through the windows of a specially constructed house or a car.

Sparky the Fire Dog was giving high fives and hugs, and kids tackled the firefighter obstacle course where they could…

For complete article, pick up the Belvidere Republican newspaper.