Photos by Samantha Bengtson
Above, Gonzales firefighters give tours of the station to interested community members. Below, Nicole Fernandez tests out the fire hose.
GONZALES — Members of the community came out to support the Gonzales Fire Department during its first Open House at the station on March 10.
“This is our first year doing an open house for the whole city and the community,” said Firefighter Curtis Snively. “We have people from outside the community coming in. It’s a good turnout.”
Gonzales firefighters dressed up in their uniforms or firefighting gear to talk with residents and youth about fire prevention, CPR, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and more.
A special treat for the youth came in the form of having the chance to feel what it’s like to handle a fire hose with the help of a Gonzales firefighter.
All the fire engines at the Gonzales Fire Department had tours and even the Original Fire Engine from 1929 restored by the inmate students of the California Correctional Center in Susanville was on display and available for picture taking.
“The thing that I like about this place is that it has a pretend fire truck,” Jade Gagano said.
Jewel Olivarez said she liked how friendly the Gonzales firefighters were and that not many fire departments open up their houses.
The Gonzales Fire Department Open House was open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and, according to Snively, the firefighters would like to have another Open House next year.
