CENTERBURG — Members of the community got a taste of the firefighting life Sunday at the Central Ohio Joint Fire District. Members of the fire department and Explorer Post 311 hosted an open house to give people a hands-on experience at the Centerburg fire station.
“It was a good opportunity for the department to show the public what we do on a daily basis,” said COJFD Lt. Dan Rott.
The department’s medics and firetrucks were on display for people to get an up-close look. Children climbed through the apparatus, asking questions of the firefighters and paramedics.
Six-year-old David Kalnbach climbed on every vehicle, declaring he wanted to be a firefighter one day, but said he didn’t like being in the back of the ambulance.
David’s great-uncle, Ron Byrley of Centerburg, brought four of his great-nephews and a great-niece to the open house, and the spaghetti dinner provided by the Heart of Ohio Firefighters’ Association.
Adults and young people attending the open house also had the opportunity to try on the turnout gear worn by firefighters when fighting a fire.
Jerry Jasko of Centerburg attended the open house for the first time, and accepted the challenge of putting on all of the heavy protective clothes and breathing apparatus worn by firefighters.
“He looks like he’s going to be very hot,” said Jerry’s wife, Carol.
Lt. David Miller explained the gear is extremely hot to wear, and while it does provide protection, it is not flame proof.
“It won’t stop you from burning, but it will slow it down enough to give you time to do what you’ve got to do,” Miller told Jasko.
After adding the helmet and air pack, Jasko said he had a better understanding of the challenges firefighters face trying to maneuver in the heavy gear.
“I don’t see how you guys move,” Jasko said, trying to raise his arms.
Jerry’s 4-year-old grandson, Gabe, giggled while he watched his father, Chris, take his turn putting on all of the gear.
“He looks like a real fireman,” Gabe said of his grandfather.
A portable tank was set up and filled with water to allow children to take turns handling a firehose. Thirteen-year-old Maria Burger held the nozzle while her older brother, Stephen, a COJFD firefighter, gave her guidance.
Knocking over cones with the hose spray was not as easy as it looked.
“It was fun,” Maria said afterward.
She said she enjoyed seeing what her brother and other firefighters do as part of their job.
During the open house, visitors also saw the part of firehouse life firsthand that involves dropping everything at a moment’s notice. A fire call involving a burning tree and a squad run for an injury came in simultaneously, and spaghetti dinners and demonstrations were set aside while firefighters and paramedics rushed to help.
Those attending the open house received smoke detectors and pamphlets, and all said they enjoyed the afternoon. Many had never had the opportunity to handle firefighting equipment.
Jerry Lasko said he learned a lot during the afternoon.
“I have a whole new appreciation for what you guys do,” he told firefighters.
