Rev up your engines and gear up for some fun at West Manchester Township Fire Department’s (WMTFD) and West Manchester Township Park and Recreations Department’s Annual Truck Touch!
The free-to-attend, family-friendly event will take place Saturday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lincolnway Volunteer Fire Company, located at 300 East Berlin Rd, York. Attendees can touch and tour vehicles including dump trucks, race cars, backhoes, Stat-Medivac helicopter, fire trucks, police cars and ambulances, enjoy tasty treats from the snack bar, with 100% of the proceeds going to the fire department, and cast a vote in Lincolnway and Trimmer Elementary School’s Annual Poster Contest. Each vote costs fifty cents and the student with the highest votes at each school will receive a free ride to school in a WMTFD fire truck. All proceeds will be donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Association. This year’s event will also include a special guest, Coco, mascot of 2024’s Calder Cup Champions, the Hershey Bears!
Interested individuals will have the opportunity to meet their local firefighters and learn more about the commitment and volunteer experience at WMTFD. No prior experience is required to join; WMTFD provides free training and gear to all of its members.
“West Manchester Township Fire Department is one big family, and we are always looking to add new members to our team. Whether you want to fight fires or lend support on the administrative side, you will be a valuable addition,” says WMTFD Chief Clifton Laughman.
Firefighters will also teach fire prevention and safety tips that coincide with this year’s National Fire Prevention Association’s (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week (FPW) theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” The theme aims to educate the public about the importance of having smoke alarms in the home.
Smoke Alarm Statistics and Fire Prevention Tips
According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 54 percent. Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
- Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
Are you interested in volunteering and helping serve your community? No experience is necessary to join and equipment will be provided free of cost. You can join as a volunteer firefighter, or on the administrative side where you can assist at community events and help with fundraising efforts. To learn more about volunteer opportunities with the fire department, visit: www.WestManchesterFirefighter.org