By Vita Duva, Correspondent
The Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company held an open house and membership drive last Saturday, Oct. 15 in light of Fire Prevention Week. The family-friendly event was held at the Company’s firehouse, which operates out of 2 S. Main St. in Cranbury Township.
A beautiful day to be out and about in town, the company’s event had a little help from the weather, which brought out clear skies and lots of sunshine.
The open house itself, which boasted firehouse tours, hands-on activities for attendees of all ages and food, drew a hefty crowd as the station filled with firemen, volunteers, family and friends alike.
“My grandchildren just love fire trucks,” said Debbie Taylor, who spent the afternoon with her three grandchildren – twin two-and-a-half-year-olds and one seven-year-old. “They are having the best time.”
Ms. Taylor’s son and Cranbury resident, James “Jay” Taylor, is a volunteer fireman with the company and township committeeman and was also in attendance at the event.
Among the activities were a firefighter obstacle course for children complete with a mock firehouse where kids were able to shoot water through windows and put out a simulated fire, as well as an area where both children and adults were able to demo the use of a fire extinguisher with aid from the Company’s Chief, Michael Kervan.
“We also have truck tower rides,” Mr. Kervan said. “People from the community can go up in the bucket and get an aerial view of Cranbury.”
Event-goers took turns waiting in line, and bravely hopped in the truck tower, which stretched up to 100 feet in the air.
The company’s museum was also open to the public during the event. Visitors were able to eye artifacts from the history of the company, which first formed in 1898.
Aside from the day’s attractions, the company was also aiming to add volunteers to its ranks. To date, the company has approximately 25 active members.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, Fire Prevention Week has been observed annually on the Sunday through Saturday cycle in which Oct. 9 falls. The NFPA, which acts as the international sponsor for the weeklong event commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
For more information on the Cranbury company or for further details on how to get involved as a volunteer, call (609) 395-0633 or visit, www.cranburyfire.org.
