GOLDENS BRIDGE, N.Y. - The tantalizing aromas of homemade firehouse chili and butternut squash soup filled the crisp autumn air as hundreds of residents gathered for the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department’s 10th annual Community Day at the Firehouse.
The free event, held Oct. 17, drew more than 700 guests, easily surpassing last year’s turnout of 560.
“This special day is our way of expressing our gratitude to the community for their continued support of our volunteer firefighters, department, and district. Judging by the turnout and the positive comments we heard all day, the feelings are mutual,” said Fire Commissioner Edward Brancati, chairman of the Golden’s Bridge Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners.
“It was also a day to remind residents of the importance of fire prevention and safety awareness, and a glimpse into what we do as firefighters. We rolled out the red carpet for our guests in an entertaining and enjoyable environment, where everyone mingled with neighbors and friends, and had a great time,” said Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo.
Children flocked to the firehouse pumpkin patch near the iconic bell and flagpole, where each picked a pumpkin to decorate with markers and other items found in gift bags distributed at the Community Day welcome tent.
They also took aim with a working fire hose, knocking down fake flames in the windows of a house facade. Another popular attraction was the sprawling 40-foot inflatable obstacle course behind the firehouse, where children dashed, bounced, jumped and slid their way through.
Not to be left out, adults received a quick tutorial on the proper use of a fire extinguisher before getting the chance to douse real flames.
Led by GBFD Capt. Ray Baker Jr., Golden’s Bridge firefighters demonstrated various Hurst tools — better known as the Jaws of Life — as they cut and spread the doors and peeled back the roof of a vehicle in a simulated rescue.
For an encore, firefighters set the car ablaze and demonstrated the teamwork involved in extinguishing a vehicle fire. The live burn demonstration was cut slightly short when winds picked up, forcing organizers to postpone some other demonstrations until next year.
The craft tables were packed throughout the day, with a half-dozen additional tables set up this year to accommodate the crowds. Children drew pictures depicting fire safety, completed fire prevention and safety activity sheets, decorated pumpkins and created bracelets with colorful, shiny beads.
Members of Scout Troop 301 set up a station where youngsters could participate in a simulated rescue of a drowning victim.
Other attractions included cornhole, photo opportunities inside a fire truck and an up-close look at the interior of an ambulance, courtesy of the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The ambulance display was intended to help ease the fears of children and adults who might someday need emergency medical transportation.
With so many activities throughout the day, guests had plenty of opportunities to work up an appetite.
Fire Lt. Rich Norbutt, a professional chef, and his Golden’s Bridge culinary team, including firefighter Nick Carrozza, prepared a menu that drew rave reviews from attendees.
Favorites included homemade firehouse chili served with all the fixings, homemade butternut squash soup and bratwurst on club rolls topped with caramelized onions in a balsamic reduction. Chicken tenders and hot dogs were also popular with children and adults alike.
On the west side of the apparatus bays, tables were stocked with dozens of boxes of apple cider and other doughnuts, trays of bagels, fresh fruit, festive Halloween cookies and cupcakes, chips, snacks, juice, coffee, water and bowls of Halloween candy.
An old-fashioned popcorn cart also served up mounds of the fluffy, buttery treat.
Goldie the Fire Dog, the department’s costumed mascot, led a short parade around the fire trucks with children dressed in Halloween costumes, then handed out prizes to all participants.
Goldie also spent plenty of time exchanging high-fives and fist bumps and posing for photos with children.
The day culminated with the always-popular fire truck rides, during which some passengers got to sound the sirens and switch on the flashing lights.
“If this all sounded great and you weren’t able to stop by this year, we hope to see you next year,” Melillo said.
Winners of the free raffle drawing will be posted on the department’s website and contacted shortly thereafter to pick up their prizes.
Article courtesy of Golden's Bridge Fire Department .
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