Newtown Hook And Ladder Wows Children With Its First Touch-A-Truck Day

By Larissa Lytwyn

Something was a little different around the center of town last Sunday, September 19.

The mild September sunshine was splashing itself on more than just the neat row of homes and businesses lining Main Street: gleaming along a curb adjacent to Edmond Town Hall was a bright red fire engine.

The “truck” served as a promising invitation to passersby who descended down into the town hall parking lot as the Hook and Ladder Volunteer Fire Company welcomed visitors to its first “Touch-a-Truck” Day.

“It’s a great opportunity for people in the neighborhood to come down and have the chance to really meet and talk with us,” said the event’s coordinator, Mark DeWolfe.

“We are trying to increase our exposure,” he continued. “A lot of the people in town don’t know that we are all volunteer fire companies. They don’t know that there are five of us. Many people think there is just one.”

In addition to sliding into the seats of ladder-equipped fire engines, children could get a closeup view of several different types of tractors, the Search and Rescue boat, and even an Army truck.

Many tots enjoyed getting behind the wheel of apple green John Deere tractors or being lifted up into the Search and Rescue boat.

“We have trucks from every department here today,” said Mr DeWolfe.

Children could also acquire a (toy) truck of their own through a raffle held every half-hour. Department members purchased the trucks. In addition, families could enjoy refreshments including popcorn and cotton candy from a vending stand.

But, apart from the fun and games, a key part of the day was giving visitors the opportunity to speak with firefighters directly about their concerns regarding fire safety.

Families could purchase smoke detectors; departing visitors were given a “goody bag” filled with stickers, coloring books, and pamphlets on fire safety-related health information. Visitors could also support Hook and Ladder through purchasing T-shirts marked with the company’s emblem.

As a volunteer company, Mr DeWolfe explained, fundraising was an important part of keeping the fire companies running efficiently, all to better serve the Newtown community. The proceeds from Touch-a-Truck were going to go into purchasing new equipment, he said.

Search and Rescue volunteer Paula Wickman, who brought her purebred bloodhound, Fergus, along, commented on the great turnout. “It’s been great,” she said. “And everyone loves Fergus!”

Fergus plays a large role in helping identify the locations of bodies in possible drowning incidents, she explained.

“Fergus is great with children,” she remarked, grinning at two toddlers petting the dog’s sleek, soft head.

Ms Wickman noted that she comes from a family of Search and Rescue volunteers. Working with her team members, she said, was like working with “a second family.”

“It’s a great experience to be a part of Search and Rescue,” she said. “It’s also important to reach out to the community and let them know what we do.”

Patty McDermott, who brought her 3-year-old son, Jack, and 18-month-old son, Dylan, said her family had “had a ball.”

“It’s been a great day,” confirmed Mr DeWolfe’s wife, Judy DeWolfe, her face upturned to the cloudless blue sky. “We’ve had a very positive response. And we couldn’t ask for better weather!”

Mr DeWolfe said he felt relieved that the weather, particularly considering the prior day’s monsoonlike weather in the wake of Hurricane Ivan, had turned out so pleasant.

“There was no way we could have had this event if the weather had been poor,” said Mr DeWolfe. “I’m glad we were able to do this!”