Government > City Departments/Offices > Fire > 2010 FIRE EXPO

It has been said, "On a clear day, you can see forever."  Well, on Saturday, October 2, 2010, the Annapolis Fire Department and the Professional Firefighter’s Local Union 1926 provided the perfect opportunity to do just that-with a bit more added.  The department and its employees provided what could be seen and heard: offerings of education, fun, and entertainment.

On the grounds of the Susan Campbell Park, at the City Dock, Lieutenant Janet Kiefler and members from every segment of the department's team, afforded citizens and visitors exceptional demonstrations of what the fire service always provides for its citizens: protection of life and property, a sense that their fire department will always be there in an emergency, or to just educate the public on how to live in a safe and secure environment.  Fire Chief David Stokes supported the efforts of the 2010 Annapolis Fire Department Expo throughout the day: cooking and assisting to secure the park, after the expo was over.

Although the Annapolis Fire Marshal’s Office has hosted fire expos in the 90’s and later in partnership with Anne Arundel County Fire and Rescue (2005-2007), Chief Stokes and Deputy Chief Kevin Simmons directed this effort as proud leaders.  Representing Governor O’Malley, Mr. Herman Ingram brought greetings and presented Chief Stokes with a gubernatorial proclamation for Fire Prevention Week, October 3-9, 2010.

Along with our fire crews, staff, guest agencies and other volunteers educated and entertained the crowd: Firefighter Chris Butler allowed children the hands-on experience of climbing onto fire apparatus; Firefighter Benoliel illustrated to a small boy how to extinguish a fire by spraying water on a doll house; Lieutenant Young, Firefighters Carter, Frankhouser  and Brooks created a scenario of how to safely extricate Firefighter / Paramedic Jones from an automobile accident; Sergeant Tucker, from the Annapolis Police Department, with the assistance of Firefighter Carroll Spriggs, conducted a convincing demonstration of how essential their department’s trained attack dog is during specific operations in law enforcement and containment;  Firefighters Grooms, Rathell and Bloodsworth staffed the department’s recruitment table; Firefighter / Paramedic  Gayle Lehman expressed the value of properly performing Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); the office staff, spouses, children and grandchildren assisted with refreshments and other details; Kati Kiefler and Cassey Remmy staffed the cotton candy and popcorn table; Barbara Fay, from the Office of Emergency Management, shared pertinent information on ‘Natural Hazards Preparedness’; two firefighters, dressed in green HazMat gear and self-contained breathing apparatus, simulated the proper procedures of containment, removal and disposal of hazardous materials from a mock hazardous material incident scene; Public Information Officer, Captain Kelly Martin provided literature that enhanced life safety education for every-one; and Jeannie Coughlin and the refreshment-stand crew even taught the fire chief how to turn hot dogs on the grill!

Other agencies and / or entities joining the expo were Anne Arundel County Fire and Rescue, the United States Naval Academy Fire Department, and Annapolis firefighters, who served as DJ and provided music.  Retired firefighter, and Howard Moresberger and his band, “eightyeightsix,” provided the best LIVE music in town between demonstrations!

To say the least, the day was a total success.  For those who could not see clearer when they left the Park, obviously had other things on their mind.  The Annapolis Fire Department extended every effort to accommodate, educate and entertain their customers with a vision of whom we are as a department today, and who we will always strive to be in the future: Community Servants.

To learn more about the Annapolis Fire Department and how we can partner and serve you, please contact Tony Spencer.

Public Information Officer
Annapolis Fire Department
1790 Forest Drive
Annapolis, MD 21401
Office:     410-263-7975
Fax:     410-268-1846
Cell:     410-507-1767
TDD:      Use MD Relay or 711
E-mail:     TJSpencer@annapolis.gov