Garden City Junior Firefighters battle the car fire as part of the Rescue Company Demonstration. The Garden City Fire Department Held its annual Fire Prevention Day and Open House on Sunday October 2nd. Hundreds of residents young and old attended the event and enjoyed the exciting demonstrations and good food. "This years open house saw the biggest turnout in GCFD history, which complemented the months of preparation the Garden City Firefighters put into the event," Open House coordinator Chief Bill Grahm said.

Residents in attendance enjoyed their favorite demonstrations and were treated to some exciting new ones as well. The day began when the firefighters pulled into the parking lot in a fire engine and pulled a real hose line across the parking lot and extinguished a wall that was on fire. The demo showed how fast fire can spread from an unattended candle and how fast the firefighters can spring into action.

Firefighters rescue "George" during the window rescue demonstration which shows residents the importance going to a window and making noise if you are in a fire. Children got to see how fast smoke could fill their bedroom and why staying low will help them quickly exit, in the Truck Company Smoke House. Firefighter Richard Spatafora talked to the children about the importance of an exit plan. After that he brought them into the smoke house where they operated a mock fire hose while staying low to the ground.

Fireman Richie talks to children about the importance of staying low in the smoke. Truck Company gave their daring window rescue, where firefighters climbed to the roof of the firehouse as if it was on fire then noticed that there was a boy calling for help from a second floor window with heavy smoke coming out of it. Volunteer Firefighter Meringolo was lowered off the roof by a rescue rope then grabbed the boy from the window and lowered to safety.

Rescue Company gave the Jaws of Life demonstration where residents go to see vehicle extrication equipment used up close. The exercise showed residents how firefighters can quickly free passengers if they should become stuck in their car after an accident.

Garden City Engine Company Firefighters make a move on the stubborn Christmas Tree fire. Engine Company showed how rapid fire can spread through a living room with a dry Christmas tree.

Aside from these demonstrations residents got to enjoy the complimentary barbeque, sit in a real fire truck, operate a real hose line and take home give-a-ways. On display were the posters submitted by students in the village for the annual Fire Prevention Day Poster Contest.

"I am continuing to receive wonderful feedback from residents who were there. I want to thank all the residents of all ages who came down and enjoyed the beautiful weather and the day's events. I want to remind everyone that fire prevention is a year round duty, and hope everyone was able to take some life saving lessons home with them," Chief Graham concluded.