Published November 03. 2021 12:33PM
Northampton Fire Department hosted an open house Oct. 6 at its 4 Lerchenmiller Drive station, just in time for National Fire Prevention Week. Residents were invited to get an inside look at the daily operations of being a first responder. The annual event featured a gallery of rescue vehicles, firefighter uniforms, picnic-style food and relics from the borough’s past.
Upon arrival, firefighter Barry Frantz handed out mock firefighter helmets for guests to wear; pink and yellow plastic helmets could be seen speeding around the facility, as the children took advantage of this rare opportunity. The attendees were allowed to sit inside a few of the emergency vehicles, including the station’s retired apparatus with an open-top design and the special operations Marine 1 Inmar inflatable rescue boat.
The first responders also put on a show for their guests, featuring a drug retrieval scene with K-9 training Officer Michael Buchanan and his partner, Vito, and an emergency car evacuation scene. Four firefighters re-enacted what a car evacuation would look like, including the removal of the front car doors, front and back windshields and the vehicle’s roof. The residents were mesmerized by the speedy breakdown, as it only took 15 minutes.
The fire department will be holding a basket social fundraiser at the station 6-9 p.m. Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 6 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 7. The drawing will take place 3:30 p.m. Nov. 7.
From left, Jesiah Bernard, Jordin Tumini and Joey Pinkerton enjoy the view from Northampton Fire Department's engine 4211, a 2018 Pierce Enforcer, during the station's open house, held Oct. 6 at 4 Lerchenmiller Drive.
Firefighter Barry Frantz greets guests. His table included information on fire prevention and a container for donations. He also handed out small gifts for those who came out to support the department.
Firefighters remove the roof of a vehicle during an evacuation re-enactment.
Rebecca Csaszar, with the fire police; Connie Happ, volunteer staff; Margaret Archer, volunteer staff; and Ruth Miller, fire police, serve guests at the food table. The station had picnic-style foods and drinks for those who stopped by.
From left, Issac Almond, Jonah Guranich, Alex Nichelson and Liam Guranich gather for a photo on top of engine 4212, a 2001 KME, during the event.
Ethan and Lucas Kosciolek take a look around one of the station's retired trucks.
Enjoying spraying water with the hose, Olivia Guth is Northampton's youngest firefighter.
