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Lower Macungie Township firefighters host open house

Published October 21. 2021 02:00PM
by JIM MARSH Special to The Press

After being canceled in 2020 by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the annual community day activities at the Lower Macungie Fire Department’s Brandywine Station along Sauerkraut Lane were revived even bigger and better Oct. 9.

The display of the fire department’s two new rescue engine’s were front and center among displays of the department’s equipment and demonstrations of the usefulness of that equipment.

The two new Pierce rescue/pumper engines will be housed at opposite ends of the department’s fire district. One will be at the Wescosville Station and the other at the department’s Alburtis Station.

The Alburtis Fire Department was merged into the Lower Macungie Fire Department “three stations – one company” concept at the end of 2018.

Additionally, the Lehigh County Special Operations unit was on hand to demonstrate that emergency operations unit’s drone capabilities.

The Salisbury Township Police Department’s K-9 officer Brian Kulig gave a crowd-pleasing demonstration of the drug-detection and chase-down capabilities of that department’s canine, Miklo. Salisbury Township Police Department officer Thomas Sabulsky was on hand in a protective training “bite suit” to show how quickly the canine could chase down and restrain a bad actor.

A junked automobile was on the property and firefighter rescue personnel demonstrated how they use hydraulic equipment to cut apart a vehicle to rescue victims trapped in a vehicle after an accident.

Refreshments, handouts and giveaways by the fire department’s community partners occupied visitors between the active demonstrations.

Fire department Chief David Nosal said he was gratified by the large turnout for the event.

“The fact that we could not hold the community event last year, combined with the restrictions everyone has been under for the last 18 months, and today’s decent weather, all came together to make this a really welcome community gathering,” Nosal said.

Press Photos by Jim Marsh Lower Macungie Township firefighters welcomed residents, friends, families and visitors to an open house and fire prevention day Oct. 9. LEFT: Firefighters signal the start of open house activities with a flag salute while the national anthem is played on a sound system Oct. 9.
Members of the Lehigh County special operations unit display their drone capabilities as part of the Lower Macungie Fire Department's open house Oct. 9.
Allentown resident Kathy Godshall gets set to enjoy a hot dog served by firefighter Eddie Herrera.
Lower Macungie Fire Department crew members introduce two new recently delivered Pierce rescue engines. One will be housed at the department's Wescosville Station, the other at the department's Alburtis Station.
ABOVE: Faith Garavaglia, daughter of firefighter Ken Garavaglia, avoids the COVID-19 complications of face painting by painting a design on the hand of Lower Macungie resident Caroline Ott. Story and additional photos appear on Page A7.
Press Photos by Jim Marsh Meghan Ott, of Lower Macungie Township, snaps a photo of her daughter, Emily, with a fire prevention poster at the Lower Macungie Fire Department's open house and fire prevention day Oct. 9.
Brenda Shoemaker takes a photo of her grandson, Timmy Nickle, pretending to be a fire engine driver.
Posing as a bad guy in a training “bite suit,” Salisbury Police Department patrol officer Thomas Sabulsky helps demonstrate the apprehension capabilities of the Salisbury Township Police Department canine Miklo at the Oct. 9 open house hosted by the Lower Macungie Fire Department.
Salisbury Township Police Department K-9 officer Brian Kulic and Miklo, thrill visitors at the Lower Macungie Fire Department's Oct. 9 open house with a demonstration of the dog's law enforcement skills.