By Ron Ayotte, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – The Marlborough Fire Department held its seventh annual open house Oct. 13 at Marlborough Fire Headquarters. The theme for this year’s event was “Look, Listen and Learn. Be aware, fire can happen anywhere”.
There were demonstrations of fire and rescue equipment, including one of the Fire Department’s vehicle extrication equipment, which was used to cut the roof off of a junked car. A fire hose was set up for the kids, who could spray water on a “fire,” which was a special built prop that had “fire” coming out the windows. When the kids hit the “fire,” it would drop down and “go out”.
The open house also showcased two of the department’s three new fire trucks. The new Engine 1 and Rescue 1 were on display; the new Engine 3 is due to be delivered this week. These rigs will go into service sometime in November after training on their operations is conducted for all four groups.
Firefighters Joseph Bizzaza and Edmoth Matthews, the Marlborough Fire Department’s Public Fire and Life Safety Educators, ran the event with the assistance of Group 3, the on-duty crew. Fire Chief Kevin Breen and Assistant Fire Chief Frederick Flynn were also on hand to answer questions from kids and their parents about the new fire trucks and Fire Department operations.
“Despite the inclement weather, there was a good turnout,” Bizzaza said, “and the kids and parents not only learned about fire safety, but had fun doing it.”
Matthews, who does the senior fire safety programs for the department echoed Bizzaza’s thoughts, adding that the day was “an opportunity to educate the public about what the Marlborough Fire Department does for the community”.
Pizza for the open house was provided by Papa Gino’s, which has supported Fire Prevention Week for communities where their restaurants are located, and Price Chopper Supermarkets donated Hoodsie ice cream cups. There will also be a Fire Safety night at Papa Gino’s of Marlborough at a later date to be determined.
Photos/Ron Ayotte
Ron Ayotte is the former Marlborough Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief.
