Event invited public to see station’s new addition
People enjoyed a beautiful fall day at the Centreville Fire Department Open House on Saturday, Oct. 3.
The event celebrated the fire department’s recently completed expansion, which added a third bay, a formal training space, and an EMO command space.
“We wanted to let the community see it,” said Assistant Deputy Chief Luke Shaw. He said this was the first real community event the fire department has hosted since Covid-19 ended their popular community breakfasts.
Shaw said he hoped the open house would mark the return of community breakfasts. In the meantime, they were pleased to provide hot dogs and sweet treats to all in attendance, donated by Centreville Value Foods, the Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson, and the St. John Valley Mennonite Youth Group.
During the open house, guests of all ages were invited to tour the trucks and expanded facilities and to enjoy demonstrations, including the Fire Prevention Trailer provided by the Province of New Brunswick. The trailer, one of three that travel around the province, offers educational simulations for community members.
“There are different props and demos to simulate fires and the best way to extinguish them,” said Shaw.
The trailer even includes a “bail out window,” which Shaw explained is used to practice escaping a room when the door is not usable.
Another demonstration included a live simulation of a motor vehicle accident rescue using the Jaws of Life equipment, using a car generously donated by B. Clark Towing.
The Centreville Fire Department also invited several community groups and businesses to take part in the open house.
“We though it would be a good information opportunity for the public,” said Shaw. “It’s nice to see what is available in the area.” Red Cross, NB Power, Western Valley Regional Service Commission, Carleton Ground Search & Rescue, NB Fire Smart, and TLC Face Painting all attended the open house.
The Centreville Fire Department thanked everyone who attended and those who volunteered their time to help make it a success.
