MASONTOWN — Masontown and Reedsville Fire Departments banded together Saturday at Luigi’s Bowling Alley for Fire Prevention Day. October is Fire Prevention Month, and Chuck Curtis from Masontown VFD said the fire departments have been putting on the event for a number of years.
“We get together with the community. Let them come out and see the trucks. We have firefighters packed up so they know not to be scared of firefighters if they see us in full gear,” he said.
People got a chance to see the trucks up close and personal, allowing them to learn and ask questions if needed. The firefighters also put on a demonstration of how they would extricate a patient if they were involved in a fire or accident. This shows the procedure, and explains why they package a patient they way to do for a patient’s safety.
“You call 911. We show up, we get you an ambulance and you’re gone. There’s a reason behind why we’re doing what we’re doing, why you’re not allowed to be around the vehicle, why patient care is important,” said Curtis.
Curtis said it’s important to allow the community to get to know their first responders because most people only meet a firefighter if they are in a dangerous situation. He said it’s easier for firefighters to respond when civilians know what firefighters do when they are responding. Curtis said it allows for people to see the side they don’t see when the firefighters are called into action.
“It’s for the community to come out and see all everything we do and all of our equipment. It’s a chance to get back with the community. It’s good public relations,” he said.
Firefighters are trained on different levels depending on the hours they have spent training. Firefighter I allows for a first responder to ride in a firetruck and be on scene during a structure fire or car accident. The 120 hour class trains in first aide and also hazmat. From there, Curtis said there are so many different levels of training available to firefighters. Masontown also has those trained in water rescue. To be “well-rounded” Curtis said someone might spend close to 1,000 hours in trainings.
Reedville VFD and Masontown work hand in hand to assist the community. A good team is imperative to responding to a scene, and Masontown firefighters go where they are needed. With cold weather creeping into the area, fires will be more prevalent as people start warming up their homes.
Smokey the bear was also at Fire Prevention Day. Teaching kids about fire is also important to prevent firefighters from being needed.
“Let the kids know and get them interested. We are always looking for volunteers, and you get these kids out here, you see their eyes light up when they get to see the stuff,” he said.
Though the Masontown VFD doesn’t have a Dalmatian mascot, Curtis mentioned that anyone can volunteer their time to the fire department. From 16 to 70 anyone can help out. This is what keeps their doors open, said Curtis.
In the coming weeks, Masontown Fire Department will be holding a craft fair Oct. 27 from 9a.m.-3p.m., a Purse Bash Oct. 20 and Trunk or Treat Oct 31 at the Masontown Firehall.
