First responders open their workplaces

Annual fire and police open house connects officers with the residents they serve

With just a few days to go before the annual Hinsdale Fire and Police open house, firefighters are getting the station spruced up to welcome hundreds of visitors.

From shining up the fleet to touch-up painting, there's plenty to do deliver both information and enjoyment.

"It's to provide the public with fire prevention tips," said firefighter Kevin Baker, citing the demonstration of fire sprinkler safety. "We show them the difference between protected and unprotected."

All are invited to drop by the station at 121 Symonds Drive from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 12, for activities like the junior firefighter obstacle course, a live fire safety demonstration, a look inside department vehicles and more.

The police department will feature a SWAT team demonstration and tours of the station. Firefighter Lt. Steve Tullis said the open house, a highlight of the community's fall calendar, typically draws at least 500 visitors.

"And the way that we know that is we give out about 500 hot dogs," Tullis quipped.

Visitors are advised to bring bigger appetites this year to ensure room for Baker's celebrated Red Shift Chili (see sidebar for the full recipe), which he'll be dishing out as long as the batch lasts.

"We're going to keep it in the kitchen," said Baker, who also will offer a cooking demonstration and give people a behind-the-scenes look at the culinary side of the operation.

Tullis explained how all the personnel pitch in each day to buy ingredients for some surprisingly good meals.

"One guy's designated as the cook, and we have some really good cooks in this department," he said.

The event caps off the National Fire Protection Association's yearly Fire Prevention Week. Tullis said for 2024 the NFPA selected the theme "Make Smoke Detectors Work for You."

"It just reinforces the critical importance of having working smoke detectors installed in your home," he said, advising that homeowners test their detectors monthly and change out the batteries every six months.

Representatives from UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale Hospital, Nicor, ComEd and a fire extinguisher manufacturer will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.

"If you're installing a new stove or have questions about your furnace or about EV and battery safety, there will be a lot of experts to be able to ask a lot those question," Tullis said.

Capt. Mike Neville was getting ready to mud and tape the live fire rooms, one of a number of tasks remaining before Saturday.

"It's a lot of work, a lot of preparation, but it does turn out to be a great event," he said.

Tullis said he's excited visitors will have unique access to the station at the event.

"We'll open up the front doors as well as the back doors so people can get a really good idea of the fire department," he said, pointing out some of the memorabilia that speaks to the force's proud legacy and tight-knit spirit.

"This really is a family-oriented place."

Author Bio

Ken Knutson is associate editor of The Hinsdalean