Lower Macungie Fire Department Chief David Nosal said he was grateful for the enthusiasm of the community residents and for perfect weather at the Oct. 8 community day open house hosted by firefighters from the department’s three stations.

Held at the fire department’s Brandywine Station along Sauerkraut Lane in Lower Macungie Township, the day’s activities centered around demonstrations of fire, rescue and ambulance vehicles and the volunteers who help keep the community safe.

There was a vehicle rescue demonstration as firefighters trained in rescue operations cut open a junk vehicle to show that hydraulic rescue tools sometimes have to be used to safely extricate trapped victims.

A demonstration of the Lehigh County Special Operations drone team showed the capabilities of the remotely controlled air vehicle and an up close encounter with a Lehigh Valley Health Network MedEvac helicopter were big draws for youngsters and adults alike.

Inside the station, tables staffed by the fire department and supporting community vendors featured handout giveaways, face-painting, games and youth safety advice from a Pennsylvania State Police trooper.

Nosal said the community event seems to grow each year after having been interrupted by isolation mandates during the pandemic lockdown in 2020. “A beautiful fall day, enthusiastic support from the community, as well as the participation of firefighters from our department’s three stations made this a special day in our community,” Nosal said.