The Shadow
Covington Fire Chief Andrew Baker and Sara, his wife, along with First Assistant Chief Ross Helmintoller welcomed other fire and rescue personnel to Fire Prevention Awareness Week’s kickoff activities in Covington on Sun., Oct. 9.
President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Fire Prevention Awareness Day to be observed on Oct. 9, 1920.
Fire Prevention Awareness Week’s 100th Anniversary Celebration runs from Oct. 9-15, and Sparky, the National Fire Prevention Association’s fictional character similar to an athletic team’s mascot, was on hand to greet the children at the firehouse and adjacent parking lot where Garten Trucking, Inc. is located.
The Covington Fire Department sold T-shirts to support the restoration of Hezekiah, the 1927 American LaFrance fire engine, and the Boiling Springs food truck was on hand to sell concessions.
The Hezekiah has wooden spoke tires and was in service in Covington during World War II. The Covington Fire Department is restoring the antique, stage by stage, and funds for the complete restoration of Hezekiah are being raised via various fundraising activities and the collection of donations.
Area fire trucks were on display along with the fire prevention trailer, and a number of demonstrations such as the use of air packs were held to inform the public about the usage of equipment and firefighting tactics.
Old Glory was flown at half-staff via an order from President Joe Biden instructing all federal facilities to observe Fire Prevention Awareness Week by doing so.
The motto of Fire Prevention Awareness Week is “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.”
On the national level, fire departments are urging citizens to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and replace them every 10 years.
Donations may be made to help restore Hezekiah by mailing checks made payable to the Hezekiah Restoration Fund, 425 W. Hawthorne St., Covington, Va.
