Golden’s Bridge FD Annual Community Day Draws Biggest Turnout Ever

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE, NY — Don't let the summer-like weather fool you — fall is here, and the biggest event of the season is already in the record books.

From the Golden's Bridge Fire Department.

More than 466 guests attended the 7th annual Community Day at the Firehouse hosted by the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department. It was the event’s largest turnout to date – and no wonder, as Golden’s Bridge firefighters and their partners in emergency services provided dramatic demonstrations and served up a day of fun, food and exciting activities for children and adults. The entire event was free – including the raffle with two Nintendo Switch devices as grand prizes. The raffle drawing and fire truck rides had many visitors sticking around until the very end.

The sun-drenched Saturday had a country fair-like atmosphere, with dueling aromas of freshly baked muffins and danish and grilled burgers and hot dogs greeting the senses. Bushels of crisp apples, bowls of Halloween candy, a machine churning out a mountain of buttery popcorn, and scoops of ice cream also topped the food and refreshment offerings.

There was plenty to do and see at the Oct. 19 event. But first things first, all visitors checked in at the welcome tent and received promotional giveaways emblazoned with the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department name to remind them that October was fire safety and prevention month. It’s also where every child in attendance received a gift bag (a record 270 were handed out!). Every youngster also got to pick their own round orange gourd from the Golden’s Bridge Firehouse pumpkin patch near the iconic fire bell.

Then it was off to the children’s activities – a giant inflatable obstacle course; operating a real fire hose; arts and crafts tables, including bracelet and necklace-making; a cornhole game, and a challenge set up by Scout Troop 154. All children donning Halloween costumes received special festive prizes – although GBFD judges were partial to the youngster decked out in firefighter gear.

There were several demonstrations that required visitor participation, like the proper use of a fire extinguisher (which participants used to douse a real (but controlled) fire, and a New York State Police Seat Belt Convincer, in which a State Trooper buckled up participants before they experienced the jolting impact of a minimal-speed crash. Members of the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps provided blood pressure screenings and a tour of the ambulance, while Police Officers with the Westchester County Department of Public Safety provided visitors with an up-close view of their impressive Emergency Services Unit vehicle. Visitors got to experience what it would be like to navigate an escape under smoky fire conditions in the smoke house trailer provided by the Mohegan Volunteer Fire Association.

As for the showstoppers of the day, in no particular order:

• Golden’s Bridge firefighters demonstrated their skills and various emergency techniques, first a simulated vehicle accident rescue utilizing hydraulic (Jaws of Life) and other tools to rip off the doors and windshield, followed by extinguishing a raging car fire.

• A Westchester County DPS police helicopter performed not one, but two flyovers (for the morning and afternoon crowds) against the spectacular backdrop of clear blue skies.

• New York State Police K9 Fortini mesmerized the crowds with her skills, training and strength during two “narcotics” search demonstrations.

“It was a great day that brought together our dedicated Golden’s Bridge firefighters and our partners in emergency services with the residents and community we serve. It was our way of saying ‘thank you’ for their continued support,” said Golden’s Bridge Fire Commissioner and firefighter Joe Simoncini, who also chairs the Community Day Committee.

Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo added, “We want residents to know that we are always ready to respond to every emergency – whether a structure, vehicle or brush fire, carbon monoxide alarm, car accident, downed power lines and trees, or medical emergencies. The message in all of the activities and demonstrations was fire safety and prevention. Awareness and education save lives.”

This release was produced by the Golden's Bridge Fire Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.