Volunteer Firefighters host Open House

Written by admin on 12 October 2009

Fire Station Open House

by Karina Hunter

Volunteer firefighter, Scott Schermann gives Emeraude a lift into one of the trucks so she can check it out 🙂

Manitouwadge

Volunteer Firefighters celebrated National Fire Prevention Week Thursday evening with an open house at the fire station. In addition to fire department presentations the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Superior
North Emergency Medical Services (SNEMS) Manitouwadge Detachment, Ontario Early Years Centre (OEYC) Best Start Hub and Superior North Victim Services were in attendance, offering information and/or presentations of their equipment or services. M.P.P. Mike Brown, who had held open counsel with his constituents Thursday afternoon, also attended the open house, eager to speak with the various organizations in attendance there.

Emeraude Charron and friend, MPP Mike Brown, enjoy the Open House.

The fire department’s emergency response vehicles were parked outside to allow participating organizations to set up display tables in the garage. The Manitouwadge EMS had a defibrillator on site as well as a pulse-oximeter which children enjoyed having the paramedic demonstrate on their fingers. Superior North Victim Services had a table with helpful freebies for attendees with their pertinent information such as notepads and magnets and used the evening as an opportunity to speak with residents regarding the services they offer. Kelly Sagle, Program Coordinator for the Ontario Early Years Centre (OEYC) Best Start Hub Manitouwadge (a.k.a. Family Place) encouraged children and parents to participate in a variety of crafts she had available; some children enjoyed these while their parents browsed the open house, others shared the fun with their parents. The Volunteer Firefighters had Fire Chief hats for all the children as well as gift bags containing activity books, crayons, stickers, colouring sheets and more to familiarize children with fire safety principles and staying safe. Attendees were encouraged to enter their names for door prizes; pre-schoolers, school age children and adults each had their own prizes available, the winning adult receiving a safety kit which included a carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguishers, safety kit and more.

OEYC Program Coordinator Kelly Sagle helps kids with their crafts during the firefighter's open house.

Those in attendance enjoyed cake and refreshments as they spoke with the firefighters and enjoyed demonstrations including one of the Jaws of Life cutting through a pop-can as if it were a slice of bread – very impressive. Thank you so much to the volunteer firefighters and all the organizations involved for their diligent efforts to keep our community safe, we are all indebted to you for your bravery.