One little girl in Sparwood practiced her rescuing skills last week by dragging a stuffed animal to safety.
Eight-year-old Anna Schmidt was aided in the mock rescue by the Sparwood Fire Department Lieutenant Dwayne Matatall during Emergency Awareness Day on June 7.
Taking advantage of Coal Miner Days crowds, the Sparwood Fire Department hosted the event, which featured kids’ activities such as the hose target tests, fire engine rides and a ladder truck water fountain.
“It’s to showcase all the emergency services we have in B.C.,” said Sparwood Fire Chief Dean Spry. “The day is to give people an opportunity to see different emergency services. We’re highlighting our equipment and showing different aspects of firefighting to the kids and the adults as well. We’re also giving people the opportunity to introduce emergency services personnel to the community.”
Along with the fire department, the RCMP, BC Ambulance, BC Sheriffs, STARS, BC Wildlife Management, Canadian Armed Forces, Sparwood Search and Rescue and other agencies also attended the event.
The agencies were offering information on safety, bear awareness and emergency preparedness. Some were also doing demonstrations.
The Sparwood Fire Department put on an auto extrication demonstration.
In addition to organizing the event, the Sparwood Fire Department also participated in the Coal Miner Days parade and helped put on a world class fireworks show on Friday night.
Sparwood Search and Rescue held rope rescue demonstrations.
“It’s kind of a cool experience and good tool to use when you have to undertake a high angle rescue,” said Sparwood Search and Rescue manager Ed Ehrler.
