One Hammond fall tradition has continued for more than three decades, and is still going strong.
The annual Fire Department open house at the Central Station found dozen of families enjoying vendors, games, demonstrations, crafts and discussions with firefighters on duty.
“There’s always something new to see and I’ve been bringing my kids here for years,” said Karen Hatfield of Hammond. “It’s good for them to be reminded of fire safety. Since they’re young, they may forget things that their teachers and parents tell them.”
This year’s craft table offered the opportunity for youngsters to fashion a wooden fire truck and use their imagination to decorate it. A myriad of colors were available to complete the project.
Argie Garcia of Hammond assisted her nephew Jaiden Garcia, 4, as he put the finishing touches on his masterpiece.
“Fire safety is always a special topic with little kids,” she said. “They need to know escape routes and other things if a fire breaks out in their home.”
Eight-year-old Kyle Farner of Hammond was hammering away to connect the truck parts as soon as he sat down at the long table.
“I can’t wait to show my Dad,” he said. “He loves trucks. And I do too.”
Beckey McKenzie of Hammond attended the event with daughters Kelsey, 3, and Mackenzie, 6.
“It’s important for kids to hear fire safety rules over and over again, that’s how they’ll remember,” Beckey McKenzie said, as the sisters put on their black plastic fire helmets when they first arrived. “And even adults need a refresher course now and them”
When visitors at the open house got hungry, they didn’t need to leave the premises for lunch. Hot dogs and chips were served buffet style and eaten at long picnic tables set up in the firehouse backyard.
“This is a nice surprise; my boys always get hungry in short order after breakfast,” said Dari King of Highland, with a laugh, as the family sat down with their food. “I grew up in Hammond and always remembered the good reputation of the Hammond fire guys. This open house is just another way to show they care about the people they protect.”
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Youngsters wearing the standard black fire helmet, albeit a plastic version, perused the various booths set up inside the truck bay area. Some stops led to conversations on the part of the children.
Such was the scenario with St. Anthony Hospital training coordinator Jennifer Hohme, who brought a special game to the event.
A large poster depicting one dozen squares, each with a safety violation, was set up by her table. Children were asked what they were taught to do when seeing fire happen, or what they should do to avoid it in the first place.
Laura Gawron of Hammond commented while her daughter Katie, 6, played the game with Hohme.
“I’m very proud of Katie,” Mom said. “She is answering all the questions correctly, so she is remembering fire safety rules. That’s great for her age.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.