The tour concluded at the department’s new rescue tower, used for practicing various emergency scenarios, including vehicle extractions. According to firefighter Cody Rapella (center), transparency is important to allow citizens to understand how emergency services work. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Families gathered the morning of Oct. 11 at Dixon Fire Station 81, 205 Ford Way, for the Dixon Fire Department’s annual open house. Held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event offered residents a hands-on look at the tools, training and teamwork behind the city’s emergency services.

Firefighters, police officers and emergency personnel welcomed guests of all ages with interactive exhibits and demonstrations. A highlight included tours of Fire Station 81, where attendees were guided through living quarters, training areas and the break room. The tour concluded at the department’s new rescue tower, used for practicing various emergency scenarios, including vehicle extractions.

“We’re a well-equipped, advanced life support, all-risk fire department,” said Andrew Tomelloso, a firefighter for 17 years and the event organizer. “We’re hyper-involved in the community. I’m not here for me, I’m here for we and we are here for them.”

Throughout the day, firefighters demonstrated CPR techniques and allowed children to operate fire hoses, spraying targets under supervision. A smoke chamber and firehouse obstacle course were also available to give attendees a greater understanding of the challenging conditions first responders work through. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Throughout the day, firefighters demonstrated CPR techniques and allowed children to operate fire hoses, spraying targets under supervision. A smoke chamber gave attendees a glimpse into the challenging conditions that firefighters face in real emergencies.

Another popular attraction was the firehouse obstacle course, where children navigated cones while carrying hoses, dragging weights and rescuing a dummy.

An antique fire engine, originally purchased in 1921, was also on display, offering a historical contrast to the modern fleet showcased at the end of each tour.

Sparky the Fire Dog made an appearance, posing for photos with families.

Shula’s Kitchen 707 provided food for attendees, and an ambulance and police patrol car were stationed for public viewing.

Around 11 a.m., several first responders left the event temporarily to respond to an active fire.

Lt. Jenna Cameron of the Dixon Police Department attended as part of a new volunteer program launched this year.

Sparky the Fire Dog made an appearance, posing for photos with families. According to Dixon public information officer Madeline Graf, hundreds of children always look forward to the annual open house. Photo by Nicolas Brown

“We just had a lot of people in the community that wanted to help,” said Cameron. “Maybe not as an officer or elected official but just wanted to support their community. We’re all human; we just want to protect people.”

The open house coincided with Fire Prevention Week, a nationwide campaign promoting fire-safety awareness. Jose Hernandez, a reserve firefighter with Dixon Fire Department since July, emphasized the importance of education.

“There’s prevention and protection,” said Hernandez. “Protection is education and prevention is showing up, whether it’s a fire, medical calls, public assistance or traffic collisions.”

City of Dixon public information officer Madeline Graf said the event is one of the most anticipated of the year.

Dixon Fire Department hosted its annual community open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 11. The event offered residents a hands-on look at the tools, training and teamwork behind the city’s emergency services. Photo by Nicolas Brown

 “We have hundreds of kids show up,” said Graf. “They always love the demonstrations. It’s really important to inspire the next generation of first responders.”

Station tours ran every hour and lasted about 15 minutes. Firefighter Cody Rapella, who joined in June, said that the transparency helps build trust.

“We are a public service agency,” said Rapella. “It’s important to see behind the scenes.”

From firefighters to police officers to EMTs, a collective need to protect and serve the community was present at the event. According to Tomelloso, they are not just first responders but members of the community.

A highlight of the day included tours of Fire Station 81, where attendees were guided through living quarters, training areas and the break room. The tour was led by firefighter Cody Rapella. Photo by Nicolas Brown

“I want our community to see us as family, because that is how we see them,” Tomelloso said.

For more information, visit cityofdixonca.gov/directory/Fire or call 707-678-7060.