Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company hosts open house

Tribune-Review
Monday, Oct. 3, 2022 4:15 p.m. | Monday, Oct. 3, 2022 4:15 p.m.

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Harry Funk | Tribune-Review

Firefighter Eva Parker shows the pink helmet that some Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company members are wearing during October in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Harry Funk | Tribune-Review

Michon Budziszewski takes the opportunity to try on firefighting gear during the open house on Oct. 2.

Harry Funk | Tribune-Review

Showing the toy helmets they were given are Carson (left) and Reese Vassallo on Oct. 2 at Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company Station 1 on Brightwood Road.

Harry Funk | Tribune-Review

Casey Bruchwalski tries the fire hose, with Luke Valecko watching, during the open house.

Harry Funk | Tribune-Review

The U.S. flag is flown from atop a ladder truck on Oct. 2.

Courtesy of Susan Dolinar

The Bethel Park Historical Society held an open house on Oct. 2, the same day as the fire company’s event, at the Schoolhouse Arts and History Center, across Park Avenue from the fire station.

Guests at Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Company Station 1’s open house tended to be smiling, whether they were trying on firefighting gear, having a close-up look at equipment or enjoying free hot dogs.

During their Oct. 2 visit, they also may have gained some insight as to the extent that their lives and property are being protected.

The company of about 70 members has three stations — on Clifton Road, Milford Drive and Brightwood Road, the main building and site of the open house — with a total of 10 vehicles and a specialized rescue trailer. Members respond to more than 400 emergencies annually.

Firefighters participate in extensive training, averaging 180 hours of classes in the essentials of firefighting during the first two years and 100 hours annually for those with five or more years of experience.

As has become the case for most all-volunteer firefighting entities, recruiting new members is a priority.

In Bethel Park, residents or property owners ages 18 and older are eligible to join. They are invited to learn more by talking with members of the company during their drills held at 6:30 p.m. each Monday at the Brightwood Road station.

More information also is available by emailing join@bethelparkvfc.com, or calling 412-835-1127 and choosing menu option 3 to leave your name and telephone number for a fire company member to contact you.