By TR Robertson
A steady flow of Vista residents filled the fire house of Vista Fire Station #4, located at 2121 Thibado Rd., on Saturday. Guests walked past one of the fire trucks and paramedic vehicles to several check-in tables where lots of free “goodies” were available like frisbees, pens, stickers, bags, plastic fire helments, all with Vista Fire logos on them. Residents entered the “garage” where a number of tables were set-up for various fire department info and other agencies associated with fire protection. A number of children were wearing firefighter costumes as they arrived, and firefighter hats were passed out to those who wanted to dress for the visit. Firefighters from Station #4 were available to speak with residents about fire safety, Fire Rescue employment opportunities and the Fire Cadet Program. Go to www.VistaFireJobs.com. The Fire Cadet Program is available for individuals 15-22 years old, grade 9 or above and a minimum 2.0 GPA in school.
The California Conservation Corps table provided a great deal of information about their Wildland Firefighting Program. The California Conservation Corps operates more than two dozen wildland firefighting hand crews. These Hand Crews are based at 15 locations across California and work in conjunction with the CCC’s state and federal partners. The CCC also works with the Vista Unified School District in offering a Pathways Program for paid hands-on training, classroom instruction, mentorship from fire service personnel, and career coaching. For more information go to www.ccc.ca.gov or email lfullmer@vista.gov. The Vista Sustainable Mobility Plan had a table with information about their mission – “to create a safer, more connected transportation network for people of all ages that encourages walking, biking and other sustainable travel options. The plan will address mobility gaps in underserved communities to improve access to jobs, schools, transit, parks and shopping”. Go to www.VistaSMP.com for more information. There will be a Community Workshop at Vista City Hall on Thursday, December 2 from 6-8:00 p.m.
Throughout the open house day various activities were shown in both the garage and outside areas. One of these was a timed drill for putting on all of the firefighter gear needed when getting a call. Trainees were used in the drill. There was also a number of CPR “dummies” set-up and firefighters who offered instruction to people of all ages. The Vista Fire & Rescue Department has just completed teaching all of the freshmen at Vista High School CPR training and fire extinguisher training. The department plans on next going to Rancho Buena Vista High School followed by the other high schools in the district. Other tables providing information at the Open House included CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) offering information on safety and evacuation in the event of fire or other dangers and San Diego County Cal Fire that covers unincorporated areas in San Diego County. A long center table was provided where people of all ages could either color various designs provided or they could write a “Thank You Letter” to firefighters.
Also in attendance at the Open House was Vista Fire Chief Gerard Washington, Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Miles Sweeney, Division Chief Steve Wecklich who oversees Emergency Services Section, and Vista City Councilmember Daniel O’Donnell (District 4). Chief Wecklich also assisted with pizza preparation at the Vista Fire Department Mobile Pizza Oven. Chief Washington was at the table coloring and visiting with the kids. Visitors could also pick up a bag of freshly popped popcorn. One very popular attendee at the Open House was Valentine Brandy Mayes, an 8-year-old Golden Retriever, Certified First Responder Therapy Dog. Brandy was born on February 14, 2018, and is proudly owned by Steve Mayes, who said he is basically Brandy’s companion, chauffeur and chef. He takes Brandy to functions like this fire station open house and was leaving from here to take her to visit patients at Palomar Hospital. She loves belly rubs and many at the Open House were rubbing her tummy.
The Vista Fire Department holds these Open Houses each year at each of the 6 Fire Stations. The next Open House will be on October 31st, Halloween Day, and everyone attending is encouraged to dress up and expect lots of candy to be passed out.
This Open House will be at Fire Station #5 at 2009 S. Melrose.
The final Open House for the year will be on November 7 at Fire Station #6 at 651 E. Vista Way. Each Open House begins at 11:00 a.m.
