Engine Engine number 181

 We were invited to join a local group of preschoolers to tour one of our fire stations.  Couldn't miss out on a fun time like that, so here we are looking at one of the very shiny trucks they use.  In part, due to living outside of city limits, the fire fighters are our general first responders to any sort of 911 situation called in.










 All the kids who wanted to got to sit inside!  First time around Kjetil was not so sure about it all.  The second time, he figured out how to turn on lights and was enthtraled with all the knobs and buttons!

Sweetness out front posing for the perfect picture.

 Trying on the heavy coat they wear

 The all important, see a fire fighter completely in gear.  If you ever have to use their service in a scary situation, kids can be scared additionally by their appearance.  Seeing them in full gear in a safe non threatening way helps them to understand it is important to NOT run away from the scary person who has come to help you.  The fire fighter even spoke for us with his face mask on, and that was not something Kjetil like. From there on out he covered his ears, especially when they turned on the lights on the engine.  Seeing them he was concerned the siren would go as well.  Despite their promises, he did not believe them and kept his hands over his ears.  I think we'll continue to make trips in hopes the kids will come to understand and trust that emergency personnel are there to help.

Group shot with the fire fighters!