Shelby Township

Shelby Township Fire Department open house has it all for kids, families

By Brad D. Bates
C & G Staff Writer

» click to enlarge « File photo by Donna Agusti Kyle Trimbli, 7, of Rochester, and Shelby Township Fire Department Lt. Rodney Scrutchen man a fire hose during the department’s open house last year at Fire Station No. 1. File photo by Donna Agusti Kyle Trimbli, 7, of Rochester, and Shelby Township Fire Department Lt. Rodney Scrutchen man a fire hose during the department’s open house last year at Fire Station No. 1.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — When the Shelby Township Fire Department opens its doors at Fire Station No.1 for its 2012 open house, it will have everything needed for an afternoon of family fun.

Whether kids enjoy exploring fire trucks, meeting firefighters or visiting Sparky the Fire Dog, the Dalmatian mascot for the National Fire Protection Association, the open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct .13 at 6345 23 Mile Road will have it all.

“It’s for the kids and the citizens to come in and see the Fire Department,” acting Chief Jim Swinkowski said. “See what we have and the services we offer and interact with firefighters to increase their knowledge on public safety and fire safety.

“It gives the kids a chance to climb on the trucks, and, weather-permitting, we’ll have our ladder trucks there to give the public a chance to go through the station and see what we have and the services we offer the citizens.”

Along with the activities for kids, the open house offers residents an opportunity to see the inner workings of the department and specialized services, like swift-water rescue, while brushing up on fire safety procedures for round the home.

“It’s another outstanding opportunity for our residents to learn more about how their money is being spent,” Township Supervisor Richard Stathakis said.

Along with the benefits the open house affords residents, Swinkowski said it’s also enjoyable for members of his department.

“It gives us a chance to talk to people and see the public, other than when they are in dire need of our services, and answer questions they have,” Swinkowski said. “It’s a fun get-together.”

The Shelby Township Fire open house is free and open to everyone in and outside of Shelby Township, which is beneficial as Utica Fire Chief Kevin Wilseck said his department was forced to cancel its 2012 open house because of budget constraints.

“It’s open to anyone from anywhere they want to drive in from,” Swinkowski said.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Brad D. Bates at bbates@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1029.