Quaker Valley area firefighters to collaborate on fire safety fair in Sewickley
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Fire departments throughout the Quaker Valley are coming together for a fire safety fair in Sewickley.
The joint event will feature trucks, equipment and members from Cochran Hose, Aleppo, Big Sewickley Creek, Fair Oaks, Leetsdale, Emsworth and Ohio Township volunteer companies.
It is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 15 along Broad Street from Beaver to Thorn streets.
The fair is presented by the Quaker Valley Fire Safety Committee, which is comprised of firefighters representing each company.
“We want our community to get to know us (and) have the opportunity to see what we have to offer,” said Sarah Dietz, committee member and Cochran Hose firefighter.
“We all work together on different trainings and we all work together on an emergency in one of the boroughs. It’s awesome to get all the departments together and get to know people from all of the different departments and really just be a part of this common purpose.
“A lot of the departments have different things to offer. By doing this as a group effort, we can kind of showcase what makes each department unique as well.”
Safety fair activities include a firefighter obstacle course and a fake fire for youths to extinguish. There will be handouts for children and families as well as food trucks and registration booths for people to sign up as future firefighters.
“Educating the community, especially the kids, on fire safety is so important to us,” Dietz said. The committee plans to visit all the Quaker Valley School District, Sewickley Academy and St. James schools on Oct. 14 as part of Fire Prevention Week.
Dietz joined Cochran Hose as a junior firefighter in 2008. The Bell Acres resident said joining the volunteer company was a life-changing decision.
“It’s great to be able to give back to your community,” she said. “I’ve met so many incredible people through the past 14 years that are like a second family to me. Giving back to the area is so important. I’ve had so many opportunities being a part of the fire service that I never would have had before. We all do it because we’re passionate about the cause. We love what we do.”
Dietz’ husband, Alex, is a fire captain at Big Sewickley Creek. He joined the volunteer company in July 2008.
He said the departments used to unite for a fire safety expo about 10 years ago, and he is excited to hopefully start a new tradition with the safety committee.
“I think it’s going to be awesome,” Alex Dietz said. “I’m hoping we’re going to have a huge turnout. We’re pretty excited about it, just being able to set up different things for the public.”
Quaker Valley Ambulance and several police departments are also expected to participate in the safety fair.
Admission is free. There will be various food vendors with items for purchase.
More information about the fire safety fair is available at the Cochran Hose Co. Facebook page.