Going Beyond Putting Out Fires

Firefighters are readily recognized as the heroes who brave hazardous conditions on a daily basis to keep our world safe. But what you may not realize is that they do more than just fight fires and teach us how to prevent them — much more.

“We are here for the citizens, and if there is something that we can assist with, we will do what we can to make it happen,” says Timothy Tittle, fire chief for the city of Lewisville and a veteran of the department for more than 37 years. “People are surprised to learn some of the things that are available if they will just call their fire department and ask.”

For example, some of the free services your local fire department may offer when you stop by the station include installing an infant seat in your vehicle or checking your blood pressure. And, with a bit more notice, they are willing to provide a tour of the fire station for schools, civic groups, and day care classes.

“We can do fire extinguisher classes for businesses and CPR training as well,” Tittle says.

Home Visits

Good news, homeowners: At your request, members of the local fire department will come to your home and inspect your home’s fire sprinkler system to make sure it’s in proper working condition, and they will also inspect and install smoke detectors in your home.

“Also, if you are locked out of your car and it’s running, and there is a child or a pet locked inside, we will come and assist you,” Tittle says. “We can also assist you if you have locked yourself out of your home.”

Services provided by fire departments may vary, he says, but they go far beyond what most of us expect from our fire department. In communities with a volunteer fire department, services may not be as comprehensive, but it never hurts to check to see what your local community offers.

“It just depends on their capabilities and availability,” Tittle says. “These things are offered by departments all over the country.”

Perhaps the biggest surprise is to learn that some fire departments will let you come down and light fires — as long as they’re limited to candles on a cake.

“Some fire departments even host children’s birthday parties at the fire station,” Tittle says.