Kids Love Hanover Firefighter Open House

The Noquil family gives Open House a thumbs up. Babylun and Jonathan, with children Jon, age 8, and Jian, age 2

These kids aren't so sure about Sparky

If the smiles on kids' faces were any indication, Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Company's (HTVFC) Open House, conducted under sunny skies on August 17, was a roaring success. Pulling their parents behind them, kids rushed to meet Sparky the Fire Dog, try their hand at the fire hose, and best of all, climb behind the wheels of a fire truck. Each kid was provided a fire helmet and a hot dog ... or two ... or three.

Known technically as Hanover Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 (there is no No. 2 or No. 3), this combination of volunteers and paid first responders protects a community of nearly 11,000 people from fires, as well as providing emergency medical service. From their station at 100 Stoke Park Rd, HTVFC responds annually to 350 fire calls and 850 EMS calls.

These kids love Sparky when he's closer to their size

A few years ago, one of those EMS calls was for Judge Emil Giordano. With his tall and athletic son Caden at his side, Judge Giordano stopped by to thank EMS provider Debbie Hughes. Then he began eating hot dogs, and instructed this reporter not to tell his wife.

Supervisor John N. Diacogiannis, who with fellow Supervisor Glenn Walbert attended the open house, was happy at the attendance. "It's great community outreach," he stated, and hopes the event will attract a few more volunteers.

One of the more exciting events was volunteer firefighter Pete Garland climbing the 85' high tower on a ladder truck, and than rappelling down. It drewng applause. Public Works Director Vince Milite boasted that he had earlier climbed up the rope, feet first. But he was unwilling to do so in front of a crowd because he did not want to show off.

Sarah Rizzo, age 7, is trained by firefighter Pat Smith on firefighting

"Where to?" asks Junior Firefighter Jack Garrity, age 3

Peter Garlach, a volunteer since '69, volunteers for hot dog grill

Judge Emil Girodano, with 7th grade son Caden, thanks EMS provider Debbie Hughes 

From 85' above, Pete Garland rappels his way down. 

Nicholas Tran and Tyler Schlach, both 4, waiting for a call