NORWICH – The City of Norwich Firefighters welcomed a number of citizens into their second home Wednesday night at their annual open house.
Each year, the second week of October is designated as Fire Prevention Week and fire departments across Chenango have been arranging public events, inviting local residents to get to know the men and women serving in the local fire districts.
“Fire Prevention Week is held each year, during the week of October 9 as a tribute to the great Chicago fire,” said six-year veteran firefighter veteran Stephen Cady.
Cady said every family should have an escape route out of their house and should practice it. “Each house should have at least two exits out of their home, an established meeting place outside the house and a way to contact the fire department, like at a neighbor’s house,” said Cady
Norwich is the only paid fire department in Chenango, but they along with all other departments rely heavily on volunteers.
“Fire Prevention Week not only serves to promote fire safety and awareness but to also remind the community of just how valuable a public resource the departments are,” said Fire Captain Michael T. Ford, an 11-year veteran of the department.
The open house was held at the East Main Street station from 6 to 9 p.m. and a number of local families attended the event – many of the activities in the fire station captured the attention of dozens of young children.
Seventeen-year veteran Tim Jeffrey dresses up as a Dalmatian mascot for the open house every year. He also brings his own real Dalmatian, Nicoal. “I do it for the kids. They love it. Every year I look forward to tonight,” he said.
The open house included free popcorn, cookies and refreshments. Several of the firefighters put on a fire safety puppet show before a crowd of nearly 20 children. The firefighters also demonstrated how they rescue someone trapped in an accident by taking a vehicle apart with all the tools at their disposal.
“The demonstration allows us to show the public the tools and methods involved in saving a life,” said Fire Captain Greg Franklin, an 18-year veteran of the city department. Franklin also went on to explain the fire department had just received the last of its new gear. “We just got our last shipment this week from last year’s grant, we received $167,000 I think it was,” said Franklin.
“Tonight is a great night for everyone at the station. This week is Fire Prevention Week and Fire Prevention Month. It’s a great way to educate the public and generate an interest in what we do. Hopefully, we’ll even find a fresh volunteer or two,” Ford said.
Volunteer Lt. Robert Boellmann has been a volunteer for over five years and had the opportunity to demonstrate how the “jaws of life” operated at last night’s open house. “I’m the guy who gets to take your car apart in order to get you out safely,” said Boellmann. He said he fell into being a volunteer because he “just liked helping people.” “It is its own reward,” said Boellmann.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or would like to help out the fire department, call 334-3411.