Open House

I am fast learning that being a volunteer fire fighter is much more about community awareness, support and interaction than it is about fighting fires. Both are awesome. This last weekend we held an annual open house where families, individuals and anyone interested could get a ride in a fire engine, police car or even the 6-wheel off-road at; take their hand at shooting a live fire hose; watch a car get set on fire and how we put it out; vehicle extraction; and many other demonstrations, food and fun. We just received one e-mail thanking the group for the impact that was made on their little daughter which I thought I would share: I just wanted to relate my daughters experience at the City Wide Open house. My husband brought her over to the Fire Department area. The life lessons she learned were amazing and helped reconfirm to her the many things we are teaching her about how to be safe. Here are some of comments: 1. She told me that even girls could be a firefighter and that was so cool because God wants even girls to be heroes. 2. She told her Daddy that he should drive safely, because if he didn’t he could get in an accident and then they would have to call the fire team. Many times on Sunday she told us to pay attention to the road because other people may not be following the rules. 3. She asked us if when she drinks her juice should she not drive? We then explained that there are some adult drinks that can make you do things ……. 4. She wore her size 10 t-shirt (she normally wears a 4t) to bed. At one point her and her Dad played fire fighters and she used a jump rope to help put out fires and save people. She even remembered to break the window of the car first. Before she went to sleep she said I like helping people so maybe I could be a firefighter. 5. It wasn’t the “action” she was so excited about it was that there are people out there who will risk themselves to help others. What a great lesson!!!! 6. And of course her day care has taught her stop, drop and roll so she has taught all her dolls this lesson. 7. Lastly we took the opportunity to address what to do if our house was on fire and the 911 call when needed. It is more than what you do every day to save lives that matter, it is the lasting impact on the many lives you touch. Good Stuff!