For several years the Valparaiso Firefighters Local #1124 has hosted a free community picnic. The annual summer event became so popular that it outgrew it’s original location at Kirchoff Park and was relocated to Valplayso, which is more centrally located and has ample parking.
The picnic is paid for by the union and local sponsors. This year RestoreTech, Popo’s, Green’s Towing, Representative Ed Soliday, and Senator Ed Charbonneau were gracious sponsors.
In addition to fresh grilled hamburgers and hot dogs guests were treated to a variety of chips, cookies and soft drinks. Returning this year were the ever popular “tours” of fire trucks and ambulances, where each child left with their own “fire helmet.” The firehose sprinkler was a welcome attraction as this years temperatures became a bit steamy.
Another popular annual attraction was the EDITH (exit drills in the home) trailer. The children are brought into a room and instructed on how to properly exit a burning building. The mobile trailer is then filled with harmless “fake” smoke and the children have to crawl and feel their way out to a safe exit. They are also taught to have a designated meeting place outside of their home. The former “Stop! Drop! & Roll!” has been updated to “Stop! Drop! Cover! & Roll!” (Cover, being, “cover your face.”) New this year, was the addition of a bounce house, and the constant line showed this to be a welcome addition!
The Local does not plan on ending this tradition any time soon, so if you missed this year, they hope to see you at next years event!
To see more pictures from the event, click here!