Orange Firefighters Talk about Safety with Kids, Show Them Equipment

July 2, 2024

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A group of children standing in front of a fire truck

On May 3rd at the Post Road Station, Firefighter Lisa Kaplan explains a firefighter's turnout gear and breathing apparatus to members of Daisy Troop 60226

Orange Volunteer Fire Department Conducts Three Public Education Events in One Week

Firefighter Peter Goodwin helps Brandon Pepe, 4, try on a firefighter's coat at Touch-A-Truck at the Racebrook School May 2

Firefighter Lisa Kaplan shows visitors some of the equipment on an Orange fire engine at Racebrook School's Touch-A-Truck event May 2

It was a busy week for members of the Orange Volunteer Fire Department as they met with children at three different events. “These events are as much fun for the firefighters as they are for the kids,” said Firefighter Lisa Kaplan, who chairs the department’s public education committee. “We get to teach some fire prevention and home safety tips. Equally important, the children get to see us in our gear and see our equipment. They learn not to be afraid of us and to come to us in an emergency, even if we’re in turnout gear and maybe even wearing air masks.”

Firefighters recently visited the Racebrook School’s Touch-A-Truck event, talked with a group of preschoolers from the Orange Congregational Church Nursery School, and welcomed Girl Scouts from Daisy Troop 60226 to their firehouse. Kaplan said the department has programs for children of all ages and for adults. To arrange for a public education event, call the Orange Volunteer Fire Department at (203) 891-4703. A member will get back to you shortly.

The Orange Volunteer Fire Association provides fire protection to residents and businesses in Orange and, through mutual aid, surrounding towns. Members receive training in fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, homeland security issues and other emergency services.

Operating strictly with revenues from fundraisers and donations, the Orange Volunteer Fire Department is one of the remaining few all-volunteer incorporated fire departments in Connecticut. Active members are on-call to serve the community on a 24-hour/seven-day basis, responding from stations on Orange Center Road and Boston Post Road.

In addition, the fire company offers public education services including lectures, demonstrations and training. For information about membership, donations or public education, call (203) 891-4703, click on https://www.orangevfd.org/ or find us on Facebook.