Some of the special guests peering through the back windows of an ambulance as part of the tour.

With a helping hand all visitors were given the opportunity to try on the firefighters gear and equipment.

Who says that one size fits all.  This honored guest, along with others, tried on REAL firefighter turnout gear.

Firefighter Cody with one of the many honored guests.

Firefighters Thompson and Cody with honored guests sitting on the bumper of engine #2 at the end of the tour.

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA – Thursday, October 11, 2007 as a by product of the additional publicity for the Glynn County Fire Department during National Fire Prevention Week the MOMS Club of SSI visited one of Glynn Counties fire stations.

Mary Young and Ann Burke of the MOMS Club of SSI, were just two of the many mothers to bring their children, and children's friends to Glynn County fire station # 2 for a tour, apparatus showing, and of course some "let loose" fun.  We started by letting every one just run a little wild, seeing what they wanted to see first.  When the excitement was almost too much, I asked the moms if they wanted to get some pictures for the kids to have... "That is an excellent idea" and were even more excited when they would be posted on the official Fire Department web site.

After the pictures were taken, we went into the sleeping quarters and explained how fire department "sleep" works.  When asked how we sleep, I stated "it is there one minute, and gone the next!"  The kids just had to test the durability of the racks in the bunk area with a little jumping on them and climbing on the top ones, just to see if they were tough too.  On to the day room, the equivalent of the living room in regular homes, to show how to conduct a group training session, or meeting to discuss station activities.  I have to say it was not as exciting as the bunk area... but got a laugh when I stated we do not sleep on these sofas.  And the last stop in the station was the KITCHEN.  HOORAY FOR FOOD!  Most questions asked were; if we pay for food with our own money, and about how big the meals were.  So I displayed the meal we were going to have that night which consisted of London broil, Rice, Steamed Veggies, and another side I cannot remember.  I can assure you, if it was 3rd platoon working at Station # 2, it was going to be good.  They all got a laugh, and were very impressed with our skills in the kitchen.

Last stop of the day was the bay, where firefighter Thompson and I demonstrated a rapid dress and the looks of fire gear, Darth Vader effects included.  No one, parents included, had any idea of the additional weight of the total load the gear adds.  The rapid dress demonstration did not last long, and the kids loved it so much, all and had to try on EVERYTHING; helmets, coats, gloves, and even the pants too.  It made no difference if it was all too big, they wanted to try it.  Afterwards, the energy levels were noticeably coming down, and we ended the tour with the usual lights and sirens.  A few cried, but the rest wanted more and louder.  All while they held their hands over their ears.

This was a great experience for me, and my peers at this station and the kids are welcome back anytime.  Thanks to the MOMS club of SSI for this wonderful day, and special thanks to Ann and Mary for the great photographs.