Fire Company Promotes Fire Safety

The Country Hills Volunteer Fire Department visited Saturday to show support for efforts to promote fire safety. Firefighters brought a fire engine and equipment, which they had on display, while also answering any fire-related questions from those who stopped by to take a peek at the display. 

"We’re here ever year," said Country Hills assistant chief Steve Cornella Sr. "Home Depot treats us great all year-around, and we do whatever we can to help them out whenever we can. Besides answering any questions throughout the day, we take pictures of the children in the truck and let then wear some fire helmets and turnout gear. They get a big kick out of it."

What kid doesn’t dream about becoming a firefighter when they grow up?" he added.

Cornella said the fire department also goes to the store for its membership drives about four to five times a year.

"We set up our table and equipment and just talk to everyone who walk by," he said. "Before you know it, someone asks something about fires or extinguishers or how much water the truck carries. Then we pop the question—do you live in the area?"

"Most of the time the answer is yes, and then we invite them to one of our work detail nights and explain what’s involved in volunteering as a firefighter," he added.

Cornella said he takes time to explain the activities around the station, the drills run and the classes required to become a firefighter.

"That usually gets their attention, and sometimes we get people interested," he said. "If they enjoy what they see and they have the time to volunteer, we sign them up and send them to our Emergency Fire Academy."

Cornella said the company is often short members because many are also members of the rescue squad and can't run fire calls while on squad duty.

"During the daytime it’s kind of  hard to get a full truck every time," he said. "Right there, we are short two or three days a week.

"Every fire department could use some extras members right now," he added. "With all the water and flooding calls we been running, it has been very busy."