By Beth David, Editor
The Fairhaven Fire Department held its annual open house, in conjunction with National Fire Safety week, on Saturday 10/8/22.
Firefighter Paramedic Troy DeCouto, co-organizer of the event with Firefighter Paramedic Maggie Rocha, said it was an opportunity for the public to see what firefighters do and how they do it. People are amazed, he said when they learn that firefighters carry about 70 pounds of gear when fighting a fire.
“This is what we love,” said Mr. DeCouto.
When people call 911, they do not know who will show up. This event is an opportunity to “put a face to it,” he said.
In addition to the open house event, firefighters go to the schools for a variety of educational and safety programs, said Mr. DeCouto.
Sunday’s event included a chance for the public to learn how to use a fire extinguisher on a real fire; a simulated fire demonstration, with smoke coming out of the training house, and a demonstration of how firefighters force entry and use the ladder truck; a car extrication which included taking the car apart with the “Jaws of Life.” The public was also treated to free pizza and giveaways, like coloring books, free facepainting, and a chance to ride in an antique fire truck and climb all over a modern fire truck.
The event is held annually in conjunction with Fire Safety Week, but has not been held for two years due to the pandemic
Local businesses donated a variety of items, including pizza by Bocca (formerly Pasta House) and Papa Gino’s, cookies from McDonald’s, and drinks from Tropical Smoothies; other sponsors included Friends of Jack, which supports programs for children.
“It went very well,” said Fairhaven Fire Chief Todd Correia. “It’s a good day.”
He said it was a good comeback from COVID.
“I’m happy to see the community come out,” he said.
Select Board member Charlies Murphy echoed the sentiment.
“It was a very well put together program,” said Mr. Murphy. “It’s a great way to get children to think about becoming a firefighter someday.”
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- Zach is all business as Fairhaven Firefighter/EMT Heather Lopes helps him aim the fire extinguisher at the Fairhaven Fire Department Open House on Sunday, 10/9/22. Photo by Beth David.
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- Fairhaven Firefighters and sponsors, including Friends of Jack, stop for a picture during the Fairhaven Fire Department Open House on Sunday, 10/9/22. Photo by Beth David.
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- Under the watchful eye of a firefighter, Quinn Perry learns how to use a fire extinguisher on a real fire at the Fairhaven Fire Department Open House on Sunday, 10/9/22. Photo by Beth David.
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- Firefighters cut a hole in the roof of a smoke-filled building during a demonstration at the Fairhaven Fire Department Open House on Sunday, 10/9/22. Photo by Beth David.
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- Junhao sports a big smile as he sits in the fire truck during the Fairhaven Fire Department Open House on Sunday, 10/9/22. Photo by Beth David.
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