Each year the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company celebrates Fire Prevention Week by holding several special events. On the Friday prior to the official start of the Week, members travel to each public and private elementary school in Simsbury and present a fire prevention program to all Kindergarten through second grade classes. Topics such as not playing with matches and lighters, and crawling under the smoke are discussed and demonstrated. Children then have the opportunity to view the apparatus and ask the firefighters any questions they may have.

Sunday marks the official start of Fire Prevention Week and the Fire Company begins the observation with a memorial service. After placing a wreath at the Frank Bradley Memorial on the lawn of the Main Station, the name of each Honorary Life Member who has passed is read and a bell rung in their memory.

Later in the day the department hosts our annual Open House at the Main Station. There are apparatus to view, a photographic display showcasing the history of our Company, demonstrations, and activities such as the Stop, Drop and Roll learning station. Free safety literature is available to the public and Fire Company personnel are available to help educate the public on fire safety and to answer any questions.

Engine 13 arrives at Squadron Line Elementary during the fire drill.

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Deputy Fire Marshal Patrick Tourville speaks to a very large and captive audience.

Captain Mark Jacobs talks about the dangers of playing with matches and lighters.

Firefighter Tim Zeilman discusses how smoke detectors operate and help keep us safe.

Children get to see Firefighter Chris Burkett in his turnout gear and hear him breathing through his self-contained breathing apparatus.

Patrick Tourville explains how thermal imaging cameras operate and how they help firefighters.

Firefighter Joel Warren educates the group about two of our most important tools, the flathead axe and the Halligan bar.

Children tour around the many apparatus and inspect the open compartments.

Firefighter Ken Myers meets and greets the students.

Chris Burkett talks with a student and parent after the presentation.

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Engine 13 arrives at Squadron Line Elementary during the fire drill.

 

Photographs by Cliff Williams