Firefighter for a Day returns to Franklin Park

Firefighter for a Day, an event being held at the Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company station on Rochester Road on Sept. 21, is for those who are serious or even slightly curious about what it’s like to volunteer to fight fires.

“This is a great way to test the waters. Participants will get a chance to work with very knowledgeable and experienced firefighters and learn quite a bit about what it’s like to use a fire hose, extrication tools, fire ladders, fire detection instruments,” said Bill Miller, Franklin Park VFC vice president.

The station is located at 2360 Rochester Road. Registration for the free event begins at 8:30 a.m., or preregister at firefighterforaday.com.

Participants can try on safety gear, including a mask and self-contained breathing apparatus. Also, there will be a live fire extinguisher experience and a forceable door entry demonstration.

Along with volunteers from Franklin Park, participants include Ingomar Volunteer Fire Company, Marshall Township Volunteer Fire Department, Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company, Big Sewickley Creek Volunteer Fire Company and Highland Fire Company.

The event has had wide range of participants in the two years it’s been held. Some are very serious about joining, and some simply want to see what firefighting and rescue operations are about, Miller said.

“We do not make anyone feel uncomfortable, and if it’s something they don’t want to try, they simply move on to the next evolution,” Miller said.

There are lots of ways to get involved in the local fire department, said Roger Sechler, captain at Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company Station 158.

“Being a volunteer firefighter can be as challenging as an individual wants,” he said. “The core is doing active rescue and firefighting activities during emergency situations, but some people find a better fit being apparatus drivers, supporting in administrative duties, fundraising or otherwise helping support the operations of their organization.”

Sechler said volunteering is a rewarding way to become involved in your community. Firefighters provide critical emergency services to local communities, working alongside police and emergency medical services teams with the goal of protecting and supporting the community.

Volunteers can develop friendships and “be part of a dynamic team,” according to Sechler.

All of the participating companies at the event will have membership information available.

“Each fire company has and continues to enhance other benefits of membership, including daily or activity-based stipends, insurance coverage, tokens of appreciation, recreational events and other things to recognize and incentivize membership and activity,” he said.

Anyone 14 or older can attend the event, but those younger than 18 should be accompanied by a guardian.