Memorial Service, Fire Prevention Week Activities In Central Bucks

BUCKS COUNTY — Bucks County will kickoff the 100th Anniversary of National Fire Prevention Week by remembering its fallen firefighters.

The Bucks County Fire Chief's and Firefighter's Memorial Committee and the Bucks County Commissioners will hold a public memorial service for fallen firefighters and emergency medical responders on Sunday, Oct. 9 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Memorial Courtyard of the Bucks County Administration Building.

The ceremony will include prayers, remarks by public officials, the Fireman’s Prayer, the reading of the names of the fallen firefighters and emergency medical technicians, the playing of Taps, the placement of memorial wreaths and the laying of carnations on the memorial stone.

The memorial service will be held rain or shine. A reception will follow at the Doylestown Fire Company on Shewell Avenue.

In addition, Central Bucks County firefighters will be hosting public events to promote fire prevention in their communities during the month of October.

This year’s campaign, “Fire won’t wait, plan your escape,” will focus on educating the public about simple, but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.

The following are some of the free public events taking place in Central Bucks:

• The Doylestown Fire Company No. 1, 68 Shewell Avenue, Doylestown, will hold a Fire Prevention Open House on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. Fire trucks will be on display for photos and kids to climb aboard. There will be a scavenger hunt; lessons on stop, drop and roll; a chance for the kids and adults to use a hose line to extinguish a pretend fire; and an opportunity to greet the firefighters. Joining the firefighters will be Central Bucks EMS, the Bucks County Sheriff’s Department and the Central Bucks Regional Police Department.

• Midway Fire Company, 5770 Lower York Road, Lahaska, will hold a Fire Prevention Week open house on Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. The public is invited.

• New Hope Eagle Fire Company, 46 North Sugan Road, New Hope, will hold an open house on Thursday, Oct. 13 beginning at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend and meet Eagle personnel, tour the firehouse, visit the museum, check out fire and rescue equipment and view some demonstrations. There will be fire truck rides, weather permitting, and many interesting things to see and do.

• The Dublin Volunteer Fire Company, 194 North Main, Dublin, will hold a fire prevention open house on Thursday, Oct. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. Meet the firefighters, take a tour of the trucks, learn about fire safety, participate in hands-on activities and enjoy light refreshments.

• Lingohocken Fire Company, 1090 Washington Avenue, Wycombe, will hold Pizza and Prevention on Friday, Oct. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening will include free pizza, giveaways, fire prevention tips, a Jaws of Life demonstration at 7:30 p.m., fire trucks, fire safety trailer and more.

In conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, firefighters are offering these key home fire escape planning tips:

• Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every levelof your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.

• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.

• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.

• Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.