BONNYVILLE - The fire department open house was packed with families exploring the massive red fire trucks and queuing up for free burgers at the Station 5 hall in Bonnyville.
Mascots gave out hugs, teens played catch out on the grass, and volunteer firefighters mingled to answer any questions.
The event took place on Oct. 9 and collected donations for the local food bank, the Bonnyville and District SPCA, and Stepping Stones Crisis Centre.
Volunteer firefighter Rory Mang has served for four years with the department and spent the day greeting families by the fire trucks as children rummaged through the cabs. As he spoke, a tiny blond head could be seen peeking up from behind the wheel of one of the fire trucks.
Mang feels that the open houses held at the fire halls in the region are great for community involvement.
“We love involving the kids in everything that we do. They love coming to see the fire trucks and us and the mascots,” said Mang.
He explained that it also raises awareness that they are volunteer firefighters who work other jobs. There are many opportunities to get involved as a volunteer for the fire department, and Mang encourages anyone who feels drawn to the position to get involved.
“If you have a passion for helping the community, and want to do something different, jump on board,” said Mang.
Getting to hang out with real life firefighters and tour the fire trucks kindled the imaginations of the kids who pretended to be firefighters - and perhaps one day they will be.
The open house took a lot of preparation by the members, and Mang reports that they were also up early touring local schools.
“We started at 8 a.m. to go to the schools and do tours in the schools. We bring the trucks, we raise awareness and talk about the theme of the week - smoke alarm safety.”
During Fire Prevention week, The BRFA reminds people to check and maintain their fire alarms.
Fire Captain Colin Atkinson ushered kids onto a mini fire truck affectionately known as Little Rolly, that took the kids for a ride around the fire hall.
Atkinson said Little Rolly was a project they built years ago through community funding. Those efforts paid off with big grins and laughter from the children.