Open house this Sunday

The Rockville Centre Fire Department will host an Open House at each of its five neighborhood firehouses this Sunday, Oct. 4 in observance of Fire Prevention Week. Residents are invited to any of the open houses between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 103 Maple Ave. — which will have a smoke house available for kids; 39 S. Centre Ave. — where firefighters will conduct hands-on drills and demonstrate the use of a fire hose; 58 N. Centre Ave. — where an auto extrication will be demonstrated; 137 North Forest Ave. — where firefighters will demonstrate tools and equipment and 20 Driscoll Ave. — where hose drills and equipment demonstrations will be conducted.

The Fire Department is also hosting a poster contest for children in the following age groups: 6 years and younger, 7 to 10 and 11 to 14. The poster must present the artist’s work and be based on this year’s fire prevention theme: Be Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned. Children who wish to enter the contest should submit their entries at any of the fire houses during the open house. Winners in each age group and an overall winner will receive $25 and a certificate of achievement.

The officers and members of the Rockville Centre Fire Department will be on hand to greet every visitor. They will be demonstrating fire prevention techniques, displaying firematic equipment, offering free refreshments and handing out plenty of free items for everyone.

“We are pleased to open our firehouses to our fellow residents and neighbors, especially during Fire Prevention Week," said Mark Murray, chief of the Rockville Centre Fire Department. "While our mission is to preserve life and property as firefighters and fire medics, we firmly believe that fire prevention and early detection are the most important firefighting tools we have. We hope that every resident will take this opportunity to visit our firehouses and learn all they can about fire prevention.”

The Rockville Centre Fire Department is also seeking residents who wish to serve the community as a member of the all-volunteer department. Positions are available as firefighters and fire medics. No special skills are needed — all training and equipment is provided free of charge to members. Ask any fire department member for more details at the open house on Sunday.