The Piedmont Fire Department's commitment to public education has not gone unnoticed.
The department was recognized as the "Kid-Friendliest Fire Department" in the recently released 2005 Best of the East Bay published by the East Bay Express.
"Anyone who has ever witnessed a child's passionate fascination with anything related to fire trucks will appreciate the friendly crew at Piedmont Station, who encourage the public to stop by and say hello," reads the listing. "Not only might your junior firefighter receive a hat and a badge -- good for hours of play later -- but also a tour of the pumper, ladder and paramedic vehicles housed at the station."
On April 28, it was the children of Piedmont's city employees who benefited from the department's hospitality, as it was "Take Your Child to Work" day.
Firefighter Justin McNulty, 29, headed up last week's tour, donning his full firefighting equipment, helping the youngsters spray water from the department's engine -- which can pump 1,500 gallons of water per minute -- and reviewing fire safety basics.
McNulty also showed his charges all of the special equipment carried on the engine such as the Jaws of Life.
Finally, each of the youngsters got an opportunity to take a ride around the block in the engine, which was driven by engineer Alan Grace.
The father of two children, Gracie, 21/2, and Makenna, 18 months, McNulty enjoys leading tours at the fire station.
Prior to working in Piedmont, McNulty worked at the Cloverdale Fire Department and headed up that department's public education program, working with more than 300 youngsters annually.
McNulty said that the best part of working with Piedmont youngsters is when they recognize him on repeat visits to the station or out in the community.
"When they say, 'Hey, that's firefighter Justin!' That's probably the most rewarding," he said.
Capt. Scott Barringer said that the department's fire crews take pride in giving tours, and were pleased to have been recognized as the "Kid-Friendliest Fire Department."
But the friendliness doesn't begin and end with children, he said.
"The department across the board has a really high standard of customer service," he said.
The department offers CPR classes for adults and teens, fire safety instruction, as well as neighborhood emergency response team training, he said.
"What's great about a tour is that you have an opportunity to educate kids and at the same time educate parents," Barringer said. "We always feel we do a pretty good job by the response."
The bottom line is that public education is a great preventative tool in reducing risk, injury and damage, Barringer said.
Youngsters on last week's tour were excited about their visit to the Fire Department.
"I like it when people spray the hose," said Rachel Frankel, 8, daughter of Public Works Supervisor Dave Frankel.
Chris Thorn, 9, was tuckered out from his day at work with his mom, Stacy, who works in the city's human resources department.
The youngsters had visited the city's Police Department, recreation department, corporation yard, and City Hall prior to their stop at the Fire Department.
Though he was impressed with the Fire Department tour, Chris had his sights set on sitting down and enjoying an Icee from Bonfare Market.
To schedule a tour, call the Piedmont Fire Department at 510-420-3030.
Distributed by the Associated Press
