Herald photos by Garret Leiva
Held at Traverse City Station No. 1, the open house provided a fun opportunity for families to tour the West Front Street fire station. Activities included a kids obstacle course agility test, a rappelling demonstration, fire engine rides and trying on fire fighter gear. While children played dress up with plastic fire fighter hats, the afternoon event also taught serious fire safety lessons such as home smoke alarms, fire escapes and exit drills.
Another open house highlight was a bake sale for victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Shawn Brown, whose father is a captain with the Traverse City Fire Department, organized the sale benefiting families of fallen New York fire fighters. Each dessert
included a photo of a fire fighter killed during the September 11 collapse of the World Trade Center towers.
Herald photos by Garret Leiva
Mason Houston, 3, of Midland receives a hands on lesson in operating a hoseline during an open house Saturday at the Traverse City Fire Department station on Front Street.
Traverse City residents Morgan Harris, 5, and Tyler Harris, 7, try on firefighter gear that includes boots, coats and helmets.
Traverse City Fire Department’s furry mascot gives out handshakes, hugs and high-fives during the fire station open house.
Firefighter/paramedic Gerry Sholger demonstrates rappelling rescue work for a crowd of amazed children and parents.
Above: Bake sale goods benefited the families of fallen New York firefighters missing since the September 11 terrorist attacks. Below: Peering out from behind a railing, these children are ready for a ride aboard this American LaFrance antique fire
engine.
Showing off his firefighter Halloween costume a few days early, Jared Roth, 3 1/2, of Traverse City gets a helping hand from Lt. Marco Marcantoni as the youngster climbs through a window as part of an agility obstacle course.