Glimpse behind brigade’s big doors

Foxton firefighters show preschool group what they do

Foxton’s Fire Brigade opened its doors to preschoolers last week, from O¯ hau’s Paycentre. Together with parents and other caregivers the kids, ages between one and four took delight in exploring the station, sit in the truck, watch firemen operating hoses and play with water..

Some of the kids are mad about firemen, said centre president Kathy Mitchell. “When we decided to ask if we could visit the brigade members were more than keen.”

The children explored the station, saw photos of the old fire trucks, watched the fire firefighters put their gear on and we shown how the crew leave it set up ready to go for the next callout. “They learnt that the gear fire fighters wear weighs 22kg.

“A highlight of the trip was when we asked the children what what they thought fire fighters do? One answer came from Carson John (3) who said ‘they help people’,” Mitchell said.

Another highlight for the children was sitting in the truck, and having a go on the hoses.

Foxton Fire volunteer brigade have attended 140 callouts so far this year and help many people in the community: from car crashes to animal rescues the jobs they help with are varied.

“For a crew of only 11 that is a huge workload. They are looking for new recruits to join their team.”

Chief Fire Officer Shaun Sayer said, “Since Covid we haven’t been able to

open the station so this was the first time in years.”

Ian Petersen, a senior member of the brigade, said days like this make it worthwhile being a fire brigade member.

The children learnt that lot goes into helping people and Mitchell said it was great for the children to see

all the work that goes on behind the scenes and to meet their heroes they see driving past in the truck so often.

“Perhaps in 20 years time some of these children will be keen to give back to their community and volunteer for this important cause,” Mitchell said.

For anyone interested in joining

Ohau Playcentre look at our Facebook page.

For people interested in giving back to their community Foxton Fire Brigade is currently looking for new members https://www. fireandemergency.nz/work-orvolunteer-for-us/can-i-be-a-careerfirefighter/entry-requirements-2/

Photos / Kathy Mitchell Foxton volunteer firefighters pose with preschoolers from Ohau’s ¯ Playcentre in front of their truck.

Playing with water at the Foxton fire station was part of a fun visit by preschoolers.

Wow mum, that’s a big hose . . . way bigger than our one at home . . .