Open house at Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services in Sharpsburg, Aspinwall aims to draw interest of all ages

Members of the Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services are hoping to shine a light on fire safety and prevention – and hopefully attract new members — during an upcoming open house.

A scavenger hunt and an obstacle course will be part of the draw for all ages.

“Our goal is to get everyone in the community involved,” said Jean Daniher, who started as a junior firefighter in Sharpsburg five years ago at age 15.

“Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility so it is important to educate in a fun way.”

The event is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 28.

There will be activities and tours at both the Aspinwall and Sharpsburg stations.

At the Sharpsburg fire hall along Main Street, there will be a scavenger hunt, coloring tables and fire safety story time. At Aspinwall’s station along First Street, there will be an obstacle course, coloring tables and fire prevention videos.

Fire truck rides will be provided between the locations.

Children will get a card to be stamped as they complete activities at both stations. Once the card is full, they can be entered into a chance to win a fire truck ride to get ice cream.

Aspinwall VFD was founded in 1893 and Sharpsburg VFD in 1871. Like most fire departments across the country, they each struggled with dwindling membership.

The number of volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania was more than 300,000 in the 1970s. Today, that number is about 38,000.

Both agencies hoped that a consolidation would bolster volunteerism and fortify response times.

The two departments officially merged earlier this year.

“We are so happy to welcome the public to come visit both of our stations and check out the newly formed organization,” said Lou Costanzo, Sharpsburg fire district chief.

“It gives us the opportunity to train families in fire safety while also exposing the fire department to potential new members.”

Anyone 14 or older can apply to join.

Daniher said volunteering is a great opportunity for people of any age to contribute to their community. Firefighting builds skills beyond those needed on the front lines, she said.

“Joining as a junior firefighter can increase leadership skills, teamwork and responsibility,” she said.

Junior firefighters don’t rush into buildings to fight fires, but they do provide support on the outside of a fire scene, such as help with ladders or gathering supplies, officials said.

“We are always looking for new members and our open house is our way to show the community our station and what we do for the community.”

The event is free to the public.