Numerous fire departments in Gloucester Township hosted celebrations and open houses around the community in honor of National Fire Prevention Week from Sunday, Oct. 6 to Saturday, Oct. 12.
In doing so, the Chews Landing, Erial and Glendora fire companies put on display their vehicles and equipment, alongside neighboring departments as well, in the continued effort to remind residents of the danger that fire presents year-round.
The three fire companies hosted individual events on separate days from 7 to 9 p.m. in different parts of Gloucester Township, allowing for career firefighters and volunteers to mix with the community and enjoy a night out during exciting demonstrations and events.
The Chews Landing Fire Company hosted numerous educational components at its event at its building on Monday, Oct. 7. At the event was a smoke house, where firefighters invited children and adults to come inside and learn how to properly react in the event of a fire.
Additionally, children could try on real equipment and gear to see just how physically heavy of a job it is to be a firefighter. Throughout the night, visitors were delighted to see a helicopter land at the location as well a demonstration of a vehicle extrication, while also being able to use a fire hose to knock down fake flames to get a feel for how strong a fire hose is.
Overall, Chews Landing Fire Company Rescue Captain and Fire Company President Jay Johnson says such events help spread much needed awareness around the community.
“The importance of Fire Prevention Week is to spread awareness about being cautious of fire in your house, in various predicaments,” said Johnson. “That includes how to get out of your house if there’s a fire, safe cooking methods, the importance of smoke detectors and more.”
Aside from being able to connect with the community on a more personal level, such events also help in the search for more volunteers across the township, as the need for volunteer firefighters continues to grow across the county, state and nation.
According to Johnson, his fire company alone has gained approximately 10 volunteers in the past year thanks to community events, which has not gone unnoticed.
“We’ve seen a huge influx of volunteers over the past year,” said Johnson. “At least 10 volunteers for our department alone. It helps the community tremendously in being able to extinguish fires more quickly with faster responses and more personnel, and of course it keeps taxes lower in not needing to hire more career firefighters.”
Of the at least 10 volunteers Chews Landing Fire Company has gained in the past year, Johnson says five are currently in fire school for training. Despite increasing numbers for Chews Landing, all departments in Gloucester Township are in need of volunteers that can assist in a myriad of ways.
For more information, residents can visit www.FirefightersofGloucesterTwp.org to learn more about how they can make a positive impact on their community.
