Fire Department holds Open House

The Manchester Township Fire Department held its annual Open House on Sunday, October 14. Beautiful clear October skies set off the bright red fire trucks that had been shined up especially for the occasion.

Firefighters and EMTs showed off some of the department's newer equipment and a demonstration of a new CPR machine that makes their lifesaving work easier and more efficient was especially impressive. This new machine was purchased with funds donated by many citizens, and has already been used several times, despite only having it a couple of months, according to firefighter Jim Payne. It allows CPR to continue uninterrupted while firefighters are transporting a victim, and automatically provides the required number of compressions per minute to make the rescue most effective.

Fire Chief Bill Scully said the turnout may have been "a little lower" than usual, but still a good number of residents, from infants through senior citizens, stopped by to see the array of equipment and services offered by our local fire department. This annual event shows the community how proud we can be to have such great equipment and dedicated firefighters.

One of the youngest "junior firefighters" at the open house.

Honk, honk! Look out--she is coming to help you!

A family group of junior firefighters pose for a photo.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.