A Record Breaking Day At This Year's Golden's Bridge FD Community Day

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE, NY — Records were smashed in 2022. The annual firehouse celebration that brings the community together in one place to celebrate and get a behind-the-scenes look at the everyday role models every kid dreams of being when they grow up was an even bigger deal than usual.

From the Golden's Bridge Fire Department

More than 425 visitors attended the Golden's Bridge Fire Department's "Community Day at the Firehouse" on Saturday. It was a record-breaking crowd for the popular annual event with the country fair-like atmosphere, according to GBFD officials, who handed out gift bags to 200+ children – who also got to pick their own pumpkins from the firehouse pumpkin patch.

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department campus was buzzing with demonstrations, interactive activities, crafts and other happenings that began at 10 a.m. and spilled well past the 2 p.m. end-time, concluding with fire truck rides where children – and adults, too – sat in the seats usually occupied by firefighters and even got to operate the controls for the sirens and lights.

Thankfully, said officials, the arrival of the 400+ guests was spread over the four-hour event. Firefighters managing the barbecue grill had no trouble keeping up with the demand for cheeseburgers and hot dogs, which headlined a menu that also included apple cinnamon doughnuts, bagels with an assortment of spreads, muffins, cookies, snacks, apple cider, juice drinks and coffee.

The popular attractions included a bouncy firehouse, a real working firehose that had children knocking back faux flames, thrilling demonstrations in which Golden’s Bridge firefighters performed rope bailouts from a second-story window and used the JAWS of life in a simulated vehicle rescue, and a dramatic helicopter flyover by the Westchester County Department of Public Safety – which was also on hand with an Emergency Services Unit vehicle. Families also excitedly navigated the rooms of a "smoky fire" inside the smoke house trailer provided by the Mohegan Volunteer Fire Association.

Other emergency responder participants included the Lewisboro Police Department, including K-9 Unit Zane and handler Officer Andrew Llewellyn, and personnel of the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Representatives of local Scouts BSA were also on hand providing information about scouting opportunities.

Everything, including raffle tickets that were provided to every visitor, was free. All children received a gift bag, and all visitors received promotional items such as jar grips, pens, pencils, carabiners and chip clips, some of which were engraved with the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department name.

While the day was geared towards fun and entertainment in a community environment, there was an important message during this month of fire prevention and safety. "Fire safety and prevention awareness and education saves live," said firefighter and Golden’s Bridge Fire District commissioner Joe Simoncini. "Have an escape plan with at least two exits, and know what to do in case of a fire emergency."

Brochures with safety tips and information were available to visitors to take home with them.

"It was a great event that brought together the community and gave firefighters and the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department to thank our neighbors, friends and residents for their support all year long," added Simoncini.