Theo Chien and Peter Ginsburg test out their fire helmets at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue open house on March 25 at Station 92. The pair picked out some fire station-themed toys while meeting first responder staff at the annual event.
Photo by Dana Kampa
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Annalisa Tester said she wanted to bring youngsters Peter Ginsburg and Theo Chien to the recent Longboat Key Fire Rescue open house so they could meet the first responders face-to-face and learn about how they help keep community members safe.
They donned their plastic fire helmets, took a seat behind the wheel of the big rigs and enjoyed the other features of the March 25 event at Station 92.
Chief Paul Dezzi said the annual open house is always a valuable chance for residents to connect, tour the facilities and learn about the latest safety initiatives.
Among several campaigns volunteers highlighted was the importance of keeping kids safe out on the water.
Training Capt. David Eggleston showcased some of the department's unique equipment, like what responders use for addressing hazardous spills and mass casualty events. He also demonstrated the infrared and thermal imaging equipment they use to find victims caught in fires or out on the water.
Eggleston said these public events help build community connections, which are especially useful in such events.
"It lets people know exactly what we do, and it lets them see where their taxpayer dollars go," he said.
Tools like the department's LUCAS chest compression system help them with their paramedic duties as well, freeing up two responders who would otherwise need to alternate giving manual CPR.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital staff also offered free blood pressure screenings and answered questions about healthy habits.
Noah Lindsay tests out firefighting equipment with the help of Ryan Corso at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue open house March 25 at Station 92. Lindsay said he hopes to one day become an engineer.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Town Manager Howard Tipton and Longboat Key Fire Rescue Fire Chief Paul Dezzi greet visitors at the March 25 open house, where volunteers gave visitors tours of the rigs and station.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Training Captain David Eggleston shows some of the department's specialized equipment to visitors at the March 25 open house.
Photo by Dana Kampa
John Gubernat III and John Gubernat Sr. enjoy some snacks at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue open house after checking out the big rigs.
Photo by Dana Kampa
David Oliger, a firefighter and paramedic with the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department, explains the features of one of the station's fire trucks at an open house.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Visitors of all ages enjoyed seeing the fire trucks on display at the open house.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Hagan Lyssy, 2, dressed as a firefighter to meet the first responders of Longboat Key Fire Rescue Station 92 at the recent open house. While he had plenty of favorite moments, getting to see the station's newest ambulance topped the list.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Station 92 deployed the fire engine ladder while showcasing the fleet at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue open house on March 25.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Firefighter/paramedic David Oliger and Lt. Tim Haas
Photo by Dana Kampa
Longboat Key Fire Rescue Lt. Jason Berzowski and firefighter-paramedic Ryan Corso
Photo by Dana Kampa
Miles Mather tries out the firefighter equipment demo with the help of firefighter/paramedic Tyler Brunton at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue open house March 25.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Kacey O'Neal, Alivia Nolan and Taylor Franklin promote community health at the Longboat Key Fire Rescue open house.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Kathlene Mitchell explains what positions are currently open for trainees at the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Donna and Pamela Reed greet Longboat Key Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Jane Herrin at the March 25 open house. They remembered the memory of family member Brian Reed, who died April 10, 2001, while on duty as a career firefighter/EMT with West Manatee Fire & Rescue‚ Holmes Beach.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Longboat Key Fire Rescue's fleet was on full display.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Fire EMS Liaison and PIO Tina Adams and Commissioner Gary Coffin
Photo by Dana Kampa
Longboat Key Fire Rescue used the open house to educate and connect with community members.
Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.
