Spending a day as a firefighter Sept. 20 in Franklin Park could lead to bigger things.

At least that is the hope for participating fire departments of Firefighter for a Day, planned for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company’s main station, 2360 Rochester Road.

“It’s for anyone who has an interest in becoming a volunteer firefighter or may have already joined a fire company and is very new to firefighting. Of course, we have some participants that are just curious about firefighting and would like to see what it’s all about,” said Bill Miller, vice president of the Franklin Park department.

Last year, more than 15 participants attended.

“Volunteer fire companies are always looking to add to their ranks. So this event is helpful in that it encourages folks who may have been wanting to join but were just a little hesitant on whether they could do it or not,” Miller said.

Several area fire services will be participating, including the Big Sewickley Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Highland Volunteer Fire Department, Ingomar Volunteer Fire Department and Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company.

The Franklin Park station has hosted the event for several years.

Ingomar’s fire chief, Greg Quatchak, said the exposure is key to getting the word out about volunteering.

“This gives people the opportunity to see what firefighting is all about. If anything, it raises awareness,” Quatchak said.

Participants will practice wearing fire safety gear, such as a self-contained breathing apparatus, and learn how to use hydraulic rescue tools for vehicle extrications.

There also will be live exercises with fire extinguishers, hoses and forceable door entry tools. The McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority, which often attends fire emergencies, will set up a unit.

“The participant really gets the full experience,” Miller said.

Participants 14 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Bill Chicots, Franklin Park’s fire chief, said the event is perfect for people who might not know what a firefighter does.

“Maybe it spikes their interest,” Chicots said.

Ingomar ended up with one recruit from last year’s Firefighter for a Day, a high school senior who is still active, said Quatchak, who has served as chief for 26 years and as a volunteer for 51.

“If we get one or two or three new firefighters, it’s a win,” said Quatchak, whose son is a career firefighter in Mt. Lebanon.

Miller joined a fire company when he was in high school. He took a break after moving and job commitments but rejoined about 25 years ago, he said.

“As you can imagine, there is quite some time commitment but (it’s) very rewarding. (It’s) hard to describe the feeling you get when you help people at a very trying time of their life, whether a fire, an auto crash or some other type of emergency,” Miller said.

Registration is recommended at firefighterforaday.com.

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