A great crowd turned out for the Hicksville Fire Department’s annual Fire Safety Open House at the Strong Street station Sunday, Dec. 7. Hundreds of kids waited in line to see Santa Claus, ride in the fire trucks and get their pictures taken with Elmo, Big Bird and Mickey and Minnie Mouse. But fire safety was the main theme of the day as the department performed multiple fire prevention demonstrations and handed out important literature on what to do in an emergency situation.
“It is a community event to promote fire safety and awareness and to educate the residents of Hicksville to do the right thing,” said Hicksville Fire District Commissioner John Menig Jr.
Menig Jr. added that the event takes place every year on the first Sunday in December and usually draws a crowd of 700-800 people.
Despite the cold temperatures, many parents stood outside with their children so the kids could ride around the block in the big red trucks with the flashing lights and loud sirens.
One of those parents was Hicksville resident, Tonia Rodriguez, who brought her sons, Michael and Phillip to the fire safety event.
“We bought some hot chocolate before we came and we’re all bundled up and ready for a ride in the truck,” said Rodriguez. “These guys love the fire trucks and there is the added bonus of them getting to see Santa so it all worked out.”
Michael, who is 6 years old and attends Fork Lane Elementary, said that the noise and size of the trucks don’t bother him and that he was looking forward to the ride.
“I want to be a firefighter when I get older so I’m really excited about riding around in the truck with the firemen and getting a head start,” said Michael.
Other outdoor features at the event included a burn building which was meant to show kids what to do in a flame and smoke engulfed home and a “jaws of life” extrication demonstration on donated vehicles.
Inside the fire house, kids waited on line to sit on Santa’s lap and got their photos taken with the famous Disney characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Donald Duck.
“It is a pretty cool event,” said 5-year-old, Angelo Marcello who came with his mom and dad to fire safety day. “I have a lot on my list to give to Santa so I’m glad he stopped by.”
Hicksville 1st Assistant Chief, Richard Diaz said that he has been part of the fire safety day for as long as he can remember.
“They’ve been holding this event since I was a kid,” said Diaz. “It is a great event for the community on fire safety and prevention.”
