Future firefighters

NRFD Open House, held as part of the annual Cornwall Cornfest, sees more than 1,000 people take part

Some potential future firefighters got some early training this past weekend.

The North River Fire Department (NRFD) held an open house, an event that has become a tradition for some families.

Charlottetown resident Mary Reeves and her 10-year-old son, Dominic, were two of more than 1,000 attendees at the open house.

With Dominic sitting happily in one of the fire engines, Reeves said her son has never missed one of the department’s open houses.

“He plans on being a firefighter when he grows up,” said Mary.

Reeves said the open house has become somewhat of a family tradition after bringing her other sons to the event while they were growing up. She estimated that she has attended the event 17 times.

“And (Dominic) has never missed a year,” said Mary.

“The firemen just go above and beyond for the kids, it’s amazing. We love the North River Fire Department.”

The day consisted of demonstrations and displays of fire engines and equipment, including the department’s newest Chase the Ace fire engine, as well as tours of the hall.

Two of the most popular activities were rides in a mini fire engine as well as the chance to Dominic Reeves, 10, takes a seat behind the wheel of one of the fire engines at the North River Fire Department during an open house on the weekend. Reeves, who has come to the open house every year, wants to be a firefighter when he gets older.

“The firemen just go above and beyond for the kids, it’s amazing. We love the North River Fire Department.” Mary Reeves

use a fire hose. The event also included a

free corn boil hosted by Cornwall Lion’s Club.

The event was one of the final activities in Cornwall’s Cornfest, which ran most of last week, and was held in partnership with Metro Fire Prevention. This year’s Cornfest also included a movie night, Halloween dance, softball tournament, pancake breakfast, trivia, a corn-shucking competition

the

and more.

The NRFD consists of 29 firefighters and answers an average of 180 calls per year.

The department is also accepting new recruits. Those interested can get more information at www.nrfd.ca/ join

MITCH MACDONALD/THE GUARDIAN

MITCH MACDONALD/THE GUARDIAN North River firefighter Joe Sawler shows three-year-old Owen Roberts of Sherwood how to use a fire hose during the fire department’s open house on Saturday. The event was part of Cornwall’s Cornfest.