As part of fire prevention week the SLVFD has been visiting local schools and organizations to spread the word about fire safety.
On Saturday our annual open house was held at the fire station. Community members were able to visit with SLVFD members, see our equipment, see some demonstrations, and learn a little about fire safety.
The big hits during the open house included our very newest equipment, but perhaps the biggest draw was our oldest equipment. Thats right the SLVFD's oldest motorized fire truck has been returned home. A 1920 American LaFrance engine nicknamed "Samantha" was graciously returned to us by the Estate of John "Hawkeye" Hawkinson. "Hawkeye" took great care in preserving this important part of SLVFD history. The story of this truck can be seen by clicking the link below to the Adirondack Daily Enterprise article.
Demonstrations included firefighter bail out demonstrations and also a live fire extinguisher class. Members of the community including children received realistic fire extinguisher training via the use of a "Bullex" Live Fire training prop. The training prop includes a propane fire and a computerized extinguisher the looks and feels like a real extinguisher and uses real water to extinguish the fire. Participants experienced what it would be like to put out an actual fire with a fire extinguisher.
We love the opportunity to visit with the folks in our community. The open house was a great way to do that while at the same time providing a little training to help keep people safe.
Fire Prevention Week banners adorn the SLVFD's second and third truck bays.
SLVFD's newest Engine 141 peeks out of the historic first bay. The first bay of the current fire station dates back to the early 1900's and except for the door is the same bay that housed horse drawn fire wagons.
LT-144 displays the American flag over Broadway.
The public got its first look at "Samantha" The SLVFD's first motorized fire a truck. A 1920 American LaFrance engine that was recently returned to the SLVFD by the Estate of John "Hawkeye" Hawkinson.
Left our newest Engine 141 alongside our oldest engine "Samantha"
Local reporter Jack Laduke, visits with Chief Keough as they admire "Samantha"
"Old Faithful" another great piece of SLVFD history was on display. This 1942 GMC engine is believed to be the last civilian fire engine delivered by GMC prior to ceasing civilian production to focus on the war effort in support of WWII.
The "Bullex" Live Fire training prop. The public was able to experience putting out a live fire with fire extinguisher.
These computerized fire extinguishers look and feel like the real thing. They are used for training and they shoot real water. The instructor controls the entire prop during the exercise.
Lieutenant Doug Peck instructs a child on the proper use of a fire extinguisher using the "Bullex" simulator.
Lieutenant Doug Peck instructs a child on the proper use of a fire extinguisher using the "Bullex" simulator.
Lieutenant Doug Peck instructs a child on the proper use of a fire extinguisher using the "Bullex" simulator.
Lieutenant Doug Peck instructs a child on the proper use of a fire extinguisher using the "Bullex" simulator.
Amongst the many give aways including the traditional plastic fire hats, children were also treated to this cute badge as a souvenir.
Smokey took some time to visit with folks.
Trevor Keough exits a window using his bail out rope as part of a demonstration on firefighter bail outs. Past Chief and Safety Officer Ed Woodard looks on to ensure the operation is done in a safe manner.
Trevor Keough rappelling down wall during firefighter bail out demonstration.
Firefighter Bob Nadon provides Belay to Trevor Keough while he is on Rappel. The Belay man maintains a safety line used during training. In an actual emergency no Belay would be present. "Safety First"
Trevor Keough rappelling down wall during firefighter bail out demonstration.
Very nice pictures of the new 141, and Samantha, but when are you going to post some pics of the new Tanker 145 ?
Saranac Lake Fire Department
October 25, 2016 at 6:10 PM
Hi Kevin, Thanks for the nice comment. In the past few months we have received a new 141, new 145, and old 141 is going through a total makeover as a rescue pumper, it will be numbered 143 and it is expected to arrive in about a month. When it arrives I will be doing a photo shoot of all 3 new trucks and a story about them. Stay tuned.
Kevin Swinyer
November 08, 2016 at 5:16 PM
Ok, thanks for the updated info, so, when you renumber the old 141 to 143, are you also planning on keeping the traditional Nickname of "SNOWFLAKE" ON 143 as well ? That Nickname has been on ETA 143 since the original 143 was in Service back in the 70's, 80's, and part of the early 90's until the Current ETA 143 was placed in Service.
