Community Day At Golden's Bridge Firehouse Returns With A Message

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE, NY — Everything that makes this time of year special in the Hudson Valley can be found in one place this month, and the visit might just make your family safer for the experience — and who would say no to another chance to break out the Halloween costumes?

From Golden's Bridge Fire Department

One of the most popular and much-anticipated events of the year, known for its country fair atmosphere, is set for Saturday, October 21, when the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department will host its annual “Community Day at the Firehouse” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everything is free. Last year’s event drew more than 425 guests.

There’ll be plenty of eats – grilled burgers and hot dogs, cider and donuts, cookies, snacks, Halloween candy, a popcorn machine, and more! Loads of action – a dramatic live burn at 12 noon and fire extinguisher demonstrations with audience participation (guests will help firefighters put out the flames!). Tons of fun for the kids (and guests of all ages) – slide down an inflatable fire engine ladder, operate a real fire truck hose, pick your own pumpkin in the firehouse patch, navigate a smoky house, take fire truck tours (great photo-op), and go on a fire truck ride.

All guests will receive a raffle ticket (great prizes!) and all children will receive a special gift bag. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to win a prize – and there will be a drawing contest that invites youngsters to create original art depicting fire safety and prevention.

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department hosts the Community Day event every October, which is National Fire Prevention Month, as part of its ongoing commitment to fire safety awareness and education, which also includes an annual visit with students at Increase Miller Elementary School.

“We take pride in bringing together the community and firefighters at this annual event, and the opportunity to thank residents for their support. Although the day is filled with food, fun, entertainment and demonstrations, we are also delivering an important message of fire safety, education and awareness,” said Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo, who noted that cooking safety is the 2023 theme of National Fire Prevention Week.

“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Most households have fire extinguishers, but many people don’t know how to use them. We are excited to provide interactive demonstrations on the proper use of a fire extinguisher. Our guests will have the opportunity to extinguish real fires under close supervision of firefighters,” the Golden’s Bridge fire chief added.

In addition to Golden’s Bridge firefighters displaying firefighting techniques and exciting demonstrations, personnel from other emergency services will provide demonstrations and the opportunity for guests to explore high tech vehicles and equipment. They include the Lewisboro Police Department with K-9 Zane, the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps (offering blood pressure screenings and tours of an ambulance), New York State Police, and the Westchester County Department of Public Safety.

Fire Chief Melillo says the event will enable firefighters to meet residents, and provide the community with a chance to see the volunteers behind the turnout gear. “Perhaps some of our guests will be inspired to join the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department. Helping your neighbors and local residents in their time of need is extremely rewarding. We are always seeking to expand our ranks,” he said.

Joseph Simoncini, a Golden’s Bridge Fire Commissioner with 30 years of service with the GBFD – and who is the chair of the Community Day Committee – said firefighters receive training and certification at the Westchester County Fire Training Center in Valhalla. They also train in CPR, and some GBFD firefighters hold state-certification as EMTs.

The GBFD responds to all types of emergencies – including structure, vehicle and brush fires, all medical emergencies, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, vehicle accidents, downed power lines, and weather-related emergencies. The fire district, whose geographic boundaries include all of Golden’s Bridge and swaths of Somers and North Salem, covers hundreds of residential structures, a retail shopping center, businesses and professional offices, a major automobile dealership and a veterinary center, a Metro North railroad station, a stretch of the I684 corridor, a large portion of the Muscoot Reservoir, two schools and a church.

“We hope everyone can drop by our annual Community Day on Oct. 21 and learn more about their local fire department and fire safety, meet firefighters, and spend time with neighbors and friends. Have a burger, pick a pumpkin, watch our firefighters in action, participate in some of the interactive activities, take a photo behind the wheel of a fire truck – there’s so much to see and do. Hope to see you there!” said Commissioner Simoncini.

For more information about Community Day at the Firehouse, or how to join the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department, call or text 914-403-4072, or email pub3634@gmail.com.