Although attendance was down a bit from previous years, the recent 13th annual Clear Lake Fire Dept. fire and rescue open house was a fun and educational experience for all.

 

From 1 to 3 p.m. last Saturday, attendees were treated to a free lunch, free t-shirts for the kids, activities, giveaways and drawings for bicycles, bike helmets and fire extinguishers.

 

Fire truck rides and the appearance of a North Memorial helicopter were popular attractions, but as always, the extraction demonstration was the biggest hit of the event, with attendees experiencing what firefighters go through to protect themselves and what it takes to cut an individual out of a vehicle. 

 

Making his first open house appearance, attendees of all ages were excited to meet the department’s new mascot, Leo the firefighting dog. His actual debut happened at McDonald’s Meats during the department’s brat sale fundraiser.

 

Firefighter Kari Mechtel extended a special thank you to Andy’s Towing for donating the car used in the extraction demonstration, and thanks to the community, firefighters and their families for another successful year.