Kids Tuesday evening will be able to find out if they have the capabilties to be a firefighter. The Orange Fire Department is having an open house from 5 to 8 p.m. and a kid-sized CPAT (candidate physical ability test) will be set up.
The test is what all firefighters must go through at training school. The kids will be able to see if they can carry a small-size dummy, crawl, hoist a rope and hit a target with water from a hose.
Chief David Frenzel said this is National Fire Prevention Week. Because of the disruptions after Hurricane Harvey, the fire department decided to have a fun evening for families. He also hopes the families will learn about fire prevention.
Though the firefighters are hoping for lots of kids, adults are welcome, too. Chief Frenzel said a lot of people drive by the Central Station in downtown, but have never been inside. Tours will be given and the public will get a chance to look at the various equipment.
One of the highlights of the fire station is the 1920 American LaFrance fire truck. The truck was ordered by the City of Orange in 1919 and then used for about 50 years. It ended up with a collector in Florida, who sold it back to the city a few years ago. The truck was then restored to its shiny glory and it now has a protected custom space inside the station.
Besides tours and games, the open house will include hot dogs, chips, popcorn, candy and drinks.
Chief Frenzel said this is the first evening open house and he hopes it becomes an annual event.
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