East Pierce Fire and Rescue Invites Public to Annual Open House

East Pierce Fire and Rescue will host its 19th Annual Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 29 at the East Pierce headquarters station at 18421 Veterans Memorial Drive East (formerly Old Buckley Highway) in Bonney Lake.

The free health and safety fair will include more than a dozen booths featuring representatives from East Pierce Fire and Rescue, Department of Natural Resources, the Bonney Lake Police and Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Bonney Lake and others.

 The annual Open House is an opportunity to showcase programs and services provided by East Pierce Fire and Rescue, including demonstrations by the fire department’s special operations teams, including the Technical Rescue, Wildland, HazMat and Water Rescue teams.

Parents and children can test their fire safety knowledge, watch demonstrations of various rescue equipment and purchase and be fitted for life jackets and helmets. Live presentations are scheduled throughout the event featuring the Northwest Disaster search dogs and firefighters demonstrating life-saving tools such as the “Jaws of Life”.

“The highlight every year for most kids is the chance to play firefighter,” says East Pierce Lieutenant Eric McLeroy. Younger children suit up in firefighter gear to put out a “fire” and perform a “rescue.” Older children are offered a more challenging course, shooting water from a hose at a target and performing a “rescue."

This year, State Farm Insurance will bring the Distracted Driving Simulator, an effective tool in demonstrating the consequences of distracted driving. The simulator technology uses software that offers complex and unpredictable challenges to the driver in order to improve risk avoidance, defensive driving skills and reaction times. The simulator has been proven as an effective teaching tool for drivers of all skill levels.

A medical helicopter from Airlift Northwest is scheduled to land around 1:30 p.m. Those interested will get an up close look at the helicopter and a chance to chat with the crew.

Ice cream, popcorn and cotton candy will be available from the International Association of Firefighters, Local 3520.

East Pierce firefighters will be selling life jackets, bike and multi-sport helmets at discounted prices. All purchases include a custom fit.  Children and adult sizes will be available on a first come, first served basis. Flu shots will be offered for $25 from Safeway pharmacy.

Other interactive demonstrations and booths include:

• 9-1-1 Simulator
• Operation Lifesaver’s Train Simulator
• Washington State Fire Marshal’s Residential Fire Sprinkler Demonstration Trailer
• K-9 Unit demonstrations
• Face painting and balloon twisting
• Home Depot Kids Workshop
• Hands-Only CPR Instruction
• Fire Safety Trailer
• Antique Engine Display
• DUI Simulator
• Cascade Towing
• Spot-the-Tot
• Citizen Bucket Brigade

Free parking is available at the Pierce Transit Park and Ride at 184th Avenue East, off state Route 410 East. A dedicated shuttle will run to and from the East Pierce headquarters station during the event.