Plenty On Tap For Thursday's Fire Dept. Open House

Emporium Volunteer Fire Department's open house next Tuesday night is turning into quite an event.

The public is encouraged to stop by the firehall from 6:00 to 8:00 for free hot dogs and soft drinks, fire truck rides and many more activities. It's part of the local National Fire Prevention Week observance.

Many of the activities are designed to demonstrate the special training and skills of local first responder o r g a n i z a t i o n s EVFD volunteers will hold a Rescue Randy Drag Demonstration, using a lifesized, 150-pound training mannequin. Those attending (aged 18 and up) can enter a timed race using Rescue Randy, with prizes to be awarded.

A "stay low" obstacle course for children will also be set up, with all participants receiving prizes.

There will be several other demonstrations:

--rappelling off Tower 14, by Mountaineer Search & Rescue;

--hazardous materials decontamination, by the Cameron County Incident Response Team and Sinnemahoning Volunteer Fire Dept.;

--fire extinguishers, with public participation, by Cameron County Citizens Emergency Response Team.

Emporium Borough Police Department will be on hand to provide fingerprinting & DNA swab sampling. Children who sign up for the DNA sampling must not have anything to eat or drink up to 30 minutes before the testing.

Cameron County Ambulance will offer blood pressure sceenings, while St. Marys Ambulance/Medic 12 provides glucose screenings and EKG demonstrations.

Door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening.

"This is in appreciation of the continued support our community shows for the fire department," said Fire Chief Butch Housler. "Please stop by the firehall, meet the emergency responders of our volunteer organizations, and enjoy an evening of fun."