Golden’s Bridge Firehouse Community Day Not Just Fun and Games

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE, NY — After the pandemic forced its cancellation in 2020, the Golden's Bridge Community Day at the Firehouse event is making a triumphant return, bigger and better than ever.

When last year's festival was canceled due to the pandemic, the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department hosted a curbside event during which firefighters handed off pumpkins, craft kits, snacks, fire safety brochures, smoke alarms, and other giveaways to residents who drove up to the firehouse. Fire Chief Albert Melillo is much happier inviting neighbors to the firehouse once again.

“Families were appreciative when we repivoted," Melillo said. "But there’s nothing like participating in the actual event — the aroma of grilled burgers wafting through the crisp air, children knocking down faux flames with a real fire hose and meeting one of the police K-9s, and wide-eyed youngsters and adults marveling at Firefighters bailing out of the second story of the firehouse with a rope."

The festivities will take place on October 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at the Golden's Bridge Fire House. It’s part of the department's community outreach and education initiative on fire safety and awareness during National Fire Prevention Month.

Golden's Bridge Firefighter Ray Baker, Sr., assists a youngster in operating the fire hose of a 30-ton water tanker at the 2019 Golden's Bridge Fire Department annual Community Day at the Firehouse - one of the many interactive activities and demonstrations that will take place at this year's planned event. (Golden's Bridge Fire Department)

"This is our way of bringing together the community and thanking residents for their support," Melillo said. "But this event is also aimed at delivering an important message. With October designated as National Fire Prevention Month, we are hopeful that the demonstrations, activities and information – although presented in an entertaining way in a relaxed environment – will raise awareness about fire safety and prevention. Education and awareness save lives."

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department Community Day at the Firehouse will feature:

• GBFD firefighters displaying their skills in gripping firefighting maneuvers, including a live burn and rope bailout demonstrations.
• K-9 units, a bomb-squad robot, and vehicle roll-over demonstrations by state, county and local law enforcement agencies.
• Interactive activities for attendees of all ages – such as crawling through the rooms of a simulated smoky fire and operating the hose of a 30-ton water tanker.
• A “pick-your-own” pumpkin patch for kids.
• Fire truck tour-and-explore with a photo op from the driver’s seat.
• BBQ, snacks and refreshments.
• A free raffle ticket for all attendees and giveaway bags for children.

Golden's Bridge firefighters demonstrate firefighting skills and techniques during a live burn at the 2019 Golden's Bridge Fire Department annual Community Day at the Firehouse - one of the many demonstrations that will take place at this year's planned event. (Golden's Bridge Fire Department)

Everything is free and all of the demonstrations, activities and BBQ will take place throughout the course of the event — with the exception of the live burn, which will take place at 1 p.m., when fire will be set to a small house structure and GBFD firefighters will demonstrate their skills in attacking, containing and knocking back the blaze.

Melillo noted that pandemic safety measures will be closely followed, assuring that these protocols will be adjusted to meet all CDC and state health department practices and regulations in place at the time of the event. For example, food and snacks will be individually packaged and most activities that are normally held inside the firehouse will be set up outdoors on the GBFD’s grounds.

For more information about the GBFD’s Oct. 16 Community Day at the Firehouse or any other information about the department, contact public relations rep/public information officer Steve Mangione by phone at 914-403-4072 or by email at pub3634@gmail.com. Although advance notice is not required, to assist the department in gauging attendance, please contact Mangione, if possible, if you are planning to attend the Oct. 16 event.