by Jessyca Cardinell

The Gouverneur Fire Department hosted its annual open house on the afternoon of Saturday, October 12 at its fire station, located on US Highway 11 in Gouverneur. This event is a great opportunity for people of the community and those surrounding to come and see all that the department has to offer.

The Gouverneur Fire Department has gone above and beyond for many years to ensure that the community of Gouverneur, as well as those surrounding are safe in all kinds of emergencies including accidents and fires.

Everyone was able to come and check out all the extensive equipment the Gouverneur Fire Department has been blessed to obtain through funding and grants.

London Wood, 5, is all smiles of excitement as she gets to take a look around inside one of Gouverneur Fire Department's fire trucks with her family at the annual GFD Open House. (photo by Jessyca Cardinell)

There were interactive demonstrations, including how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Everyone was welcomed to climb inside the big trucks and take a look over everything inside and get the feel for what the inside is like. This was a huge hit with the youngsters attending the event.

The New York State Police had a car and trooper available for questions, and all those in attendance were able to check out the inside of the patrol car.

The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department was available with one of their patrol vehicles as well as their free service they offer doing ID cards for children. These identification cards help in case a child is ever lost or abducted. They will now be in a system that makes finding them an easier process.

There were a variety of delicious foods to eat, including hearty chili made by Casablanca Restaurant in Gouverneur. Many of the GFD firefighters helped with barbequing foods and serving residents and those attending the event.

Great job Gouverneur Fire Department for putting together this wonderful event for those you serve and protect.