Firefighters, first-responders gather for fire prevention day

 

By Kevin Spradlin
PeeDeePost.com

* Photo gallery – nearly 600 photos

ROCKINGHAM — Nathan McBride might not know if he wants to be a fireman when he grows up.

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com Nathan McBride will turn 2 in November, and already he has information to begin making some career choices. Either that, or that's simply one really big, furry dog. Thanks, Sparky.

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Nathan McBride will turn 2 in November, and already he has information to begin making some career choices. Either that, or that’s simply one really big, furry dog. Thanks, Sparky.

But the almost-2-year-old has a great head start. His father, Warren, is a three-year member of the Rockingham Fire Department. On Saturday, young Nathan and his mother, Tara Lanier, had an opportunity to see just what firefighting is all about.

Firefighters and other public safety representatives from nine area organizations gathered in the parking lot of the  former Winn-Dixie for the annual fire prevention gala. Along with static displays of fire trucks and large construction equipment, aspiring firefighters had a chance to use a low-pressure hose to knock down a “burning building,” and enjoy bounce houses and greet Sparky the Fire Dog, Smokey the Bear — who’s looking good for turning 70 this year — and more.

Firefighters and volunteers from Rockingham, East Rockingham, Northside Volunteer Fire Department, Cordova Fire and Rescue, Ellerbe Volunteer Fire Department, FirstHealth EMS, Richmond County Rescue Squad, the Rockingham Police Department and the North Carolina Forest Service each showed up in force for the event, which aims to teach people of all ages things they can to to prevent fires.

Members of the Rockingham Lions Club sold concessions at the five-hour celebration, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Among the favorite activities was the inflatable slide. Kids couldn’t get enough of it, including Hamlet sisters

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com Kaylee Dunn, 5, of Hamlet, lets loose on her way down the inflatable slide.

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Kaylee Dunn, 5, of Hamlet, lets loose on her way down the inflatable slide.

Faith, Grace and Hope McFayden — 6, 5 and 5, respectively.

And Kaylee Dunn, 5, also fo Hamlet, made sure her blonde hair was blowing in the wind on her way down.

The day served as an opportunity for firefighters and othe rescue personnel to socialize when situations to which they respond don’t allow for such a possibility. It also served as a way for the public to meet, greet and thank those who rush towards car accidents, medical emergencies and burning buildings.

 

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com

Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com

 

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