Emergency Medical Technician Katie Gleason checks Dan Maloughney's blood glucose. This was one of three health screenings visitors could have done on Saturday during the Open House.
Teyah Crocker of Missoula practices with a fire extinguisher while Swan Valley Fire Chief Randy Williams supervises. Siblings Camden and Darby Gleason watch.
SWAN VALLEY – In keeping with Fire Prevention Week Oct. 8-14 Swan Valley Emergency Services opened their doors and hosted their annual open house Saturday, Oct. 14.
Attendees enjoyed drinks and goodies while being given a tour of the Fire Hall and equipment demonstrations including the heart monitor and thermal imaging camera. Attendees also practiced with their fire extinguishers. Those interested were able to get their blood glucose, blood pressure and blood oxygen level checked.
New this year, the department was selling t-shirts with the SVES logo on the front and the saying "They volunteer because our lives are worth their time." This is slightly different than the volunteers' shirts that read, "I volunteer because your life is worth my time."
"We kept getting requests to buy our shirts," said volunteer Tori Matthew. "So we made one for the public but made it a little different because we wanted to keep ours exclusive for members."
Volunteer Chief Randy Williams said the department has been hosting the open house for the past several years. During the week they also offered fire extinguisher servicing and purchase. He is amazed at how many people have a fire extinguisher but have no idea how to use it. Usually it is just youth when they practice with extinguishers. This year there were six adults that participated. Many had never used an extinguisher.
"The event helps get people out and see what we are all about," said Williams. "It's good for all of us."
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