Gettysburg Fire Department welcomed the community for a day of education and involvement during its annual station open house Saturday.
Gettysburg Fire Department’s “Passport to Safety” opened its doors to the public Saturday
The event at 35 North Stratton Street was a “Passport to Safety” where participants were encouraged to visit stations to learn about aspects of fire prevention with a chance to win prizes.
Stations included bucket brigades, Columbia Gas, Hazmat Safety, Disaster Preparedness, a visit from the WellFlight Helicopter, demonstrations of department equipment, tours of vehicles, and more.
The fire department’s museum was also open for a glimpse into over 200 years of local firefighting history and hearing about it through the members carrying the decades of traditions themselves.
After the pandemic slammed the brakes on social gatherings and canceled multiple fundraising events including bingos, BBQs, and annual carnivals, many volunteer fire departments have had to get creative in order to continue to keep the lights on.
Gettysburg Fire has implemented an online raffle every Thursday, found on its website and Facebook page.
Now more than ever local fire departments need community support in order to continue their service to the community.
Gettysburg Fire is always looking for members and fighting fires is not the only aspect of volunteering. Support is always needed in fundraising and other behind the scenes duties to keep the station up and running. Other aspects of the fire department include fire police, EMS, fire prevention, as well as the junior firefighting program.
No experience is necessary, and Gettysburg Fire will gladly accept any time and provide training for any help that can be provided.
Gettysburg’s volunteer fire department has been dedicated since 1808 and new, sustaining members are essential to In order to maintain the quality of service and operations.
Tours of the station must be arranged in advance by contacting fireprevention@gettysburgfd.com.
For more information about Gettysburg Fire Department, visit https://www.gettysburgfd.com/, call Business Manager Loir Fuhrman’s office at 717-334-7548 or email Gfdbmanager@gettysburgfd.com.
A.L. Grabenstein, reporter, is a graduate of Philadelphia's La Salle University with a B.A in Communication and has been a journalist since 2016. She has reported for the Gettysburg Times and the Times Herald in Norristown, PA. Grabenstein moved to Gettysburg from Montgomery County in 2019. She was born in San Antonio, TX., and previously lived in Virginia, and North Carolina. Grabenstein is actively involved in the borough of Gettysburg and loves giving voices to the local community.