Area kids and their families are invited to come out and enjoy a day of firefighting themed fun on Friday June 21, 2024 as the Columbia-Richland Fire Department will be holding a FREE Community Open House at our headquarters station on Laurel Street.
Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. citizens will be able to get an up-close look at CRFD firetrucks and firefighting gear and equipment at the fire station, as well as tour the department’s museum and enjoy games, music and food.
The Open House will be taking place to benefit the James R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation. While admission is free, all attendees are encouraged to bring a gift donation for a teen living with sickle cell anemia.
“This event really is about showing support for our area kids who are battling this lifelong debilitating condition,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “Every item we collect from this event will be distributed as Christmas gifts to them during the holiday season. It’s just a simple thing we can do to hopefully bring them some joy, and I hope that many people in our community will help us with that effort.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, sickle cell disease effects the shape of red blood cells causing them to become rigid and sticky. This results in blocked blood flow that can contribute to a host of health problems including swelling, organ damage and a greater risk for heart attack and stroke.
“Besides the great cause that’s being supported, we also know this event is going to be a hit because it is a chance for the community to get a behind the scenes look at what our firefighters do,” Chief Jenkins said, “Hopefully many kids will walk away not only grateful for the experience but also inspired to pursue a career with their local fire service.”
CRFD Station 1 is located at 1800 Laurel Street. Clothing, gift cards and tickets to area events are just a few of the suggested items that guests of the Open House can bring in support of the event.
