This past weekend, May 31st 2025, the South Windsor Fire Department held its Fire Safety Fair at Company 3, on 232 West Road in order to teach the public, children and adults, about fire safety in a fun and interactive way.
The Fire Safety Fair was a way for the department to not only reach out to the community, but also promote the Fire Explorer Post for possible members.
“Our goals were to reach the public and a younger generation of explorers,” Fourteen-year advisor and 30 year firefighter, Robin Packi Pendleton said.
A large sum of the Fire Safety Fair was organized by the group of Explorers, aged 14-17, to demonstrate necessary fire safety information, as well as promote the post and common procedures at weekly drills.
“It was nice to get the department together and get out there for the community,” Pendleton commented.
The Explorers organized two stations/attractions that were not only informational, but also entertaining.
The first station was a tool table, in which a table of common tools used by firefighters was prepared, and open for the public to look at and ask questions.
An additional station was fire extinguisher procedure, allowing for demonstration and public participation.
Balloons were tied to cones and the user had to follow the PASS (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) procedure to knock down the balloons, allowing for an educational but engaging activity.
The event also aimed to help recruit new explorers to the Fire Explorer Post.
“Our goals were to reach out to the youth to try to get their interest in it,” Fire Explorer Caption, Julia Falletti said.
The Explorer Post is not only for those who wish to pursue a career in the fire service, but also those who wish to get more involved with the community, explore possible careers or add additional experience/volunteer hours to your resume.
For more information, visit the SWFD website: https://www.southwindsorfire.org/
