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07/18/2006: "Orcas Fire Department Fun Day"

(Orcas FD photo)

Chief Mike Harris helps Y Day Camper into gear to "rescue an unconscious victim from a structure" as part of the annual FIRE DEPARTMENT FUN DAY at the Eastsound Fire Station. 46 YMCA Camp Orkila day campers and 9 camp counselors participated in the annual event that helps answer the question "What do real firefighters do?" Well, they shoot water out of hoses, rescue people who need help, blast wildfire with straight streams and sometimes even have fun with kids!

The campers were treated to a tour of the station, a chance to shoot targets with a hose, put on firefighter gear, perform a rescue and even try a few EMT skills! Firefighter Chad Kimple gave station tours and a crash course on hose handling while Lt. Jeff Jones showed wildland firefighting techniques.

Chief Mike Harris and Max Jones assisted teams in rescues while EMT Joe Nitz and Paramedic Patrick Shepler organized crews to treat the wounded. "It¹s a win-win program. We show kids what its like to actually DO what we do and they remind us how to play!"

This annual camper¹s program has been sponsored by the Fire District annually since 1996.