Golden’s Bridge Firehouse Community Day Draws A Record Crowd

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE, NY — Golden’s Bridge residents turned out in big numbers for the fire department’s 10th annual “Community Day at the Firehouse.”

More than 700 guests attended the free Oct. 7event, according to a department news release. The turnout surpassed last year’s attendance of 560 at the annual community gathering hosted by the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department.

The event mixed fire prevention lessons with family activities and food at the firehouse. Children picked pumpkins from a pumpkin patch, decorated them at craft tables and took turns using a working fire hose to knock down fake flames at a house façade. Adults received instruction on using a fire extinguisher and then used it on real flames.

“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 Board of Fire Commissioners of the Golden’s Bridge Fire District.

The department also used the day to show residents what firefighters do during emergencies. Led by Capt. Ray Baker Jr., firefighters demonstrated hurst tools, also known as the Jaws of Life, during a simulated rescue by cutting and spreading car doors and peeling back a vehicle roof. Firefighters then set the car ablaze for a live burn demonstration, though the release said the fire was extinguished sooner than planned when winds picked up. Because of the winds, some demonstrations were postponed until next year.

“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.

Other attractions included a 40-foot inflatable obstacle course, a rescue simulation run by Scout Troop 301, a photo opportunity inside a firetruck and ambulance tours by the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps aimed at easing fears about emergency transport. Guests were also served homemade firehouse chili, butternut squash soup, bratwurst, chicken tenders and hot dogs, along with donuts, bagels, fruit, cookies, cupcakes and popcorn.

“Goldie the Fire Dog,” the department’s costumed mascot, led a parade for children in Halloween costumes before the day ended with fire truck rides. “If this all sounded great and you weren’t able to stop by this year, we hope to see you next year,” Melillo said. The department said winners of the free raffle drawing will be posted on its website and contacted afterward to pick up their prizes.