Fire station open house filled with all kinds of sparks, BBQ

BY Aprile McKinnon

The Canyon Lake community showed its unwavering support to Station 1 as it participated in the festivities at the Canyon Lake Lake Open House Saturday. The fire station accommodated a steady stream of residents coming in and out throughout the day. More than 200 visitors ended up attending the open house.

Rogue Koopman, 2, poses with mom Whittany Koopman and firefighter dad Pieter Koopman at the Canyon Lake Fire Department Open House Saturday.

The event catered to people of all ages. Children delighted in having face painting done, dressing up in firefighter gear, and enjoying the demonstrations throughout the day.

One of the demonstrations had its fire truck pulling into the backlot of the fire station on a “fake call” of a garage on fire. The firefighters performed a demonstration on how quickly they could cut through a non-operative garage door to get into the garage. Those visiting the open house were in awe of how quickly it could be done as they cheered the firefighters on.

Canyon Lake Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse visits with a visitor at Saturday’s Canyon Lake Fire Department Open House. Below, Rogue Koopman, 2, contemplates the possible design at the face painting booth at Station 1’s second annual Canyon Lake Fire Department Open House. 

The Canyon Lake Association of Men provided lunch for those attending the open house. Those serving up the free food throughout the event were CLAMS members Mark Inkrote, Kevin Cochran, Joe Lemke, and Steve Wright. CLAMS organized in March of 1973 to promote a fellowship among the male populace of Canyon Lake.

Amber Harley and Treyton Harley, 10, try on firefighter hats at the Canyon Lake Fire Department Open House.

“We are always looking for new members and volunteers,” Joe Lemke said. “We bought the BBQ for the fire station and it has come in handy. We will be at Fiesta Hopper at Sierra Park  with the Canyon Lake Car Club and could use some help there.”

Canyon Lake’s Emergency Preparedness team was at the event. Volunteers Nate and Lori Duer, David and Sandra Humphrey and Sue Crachy were handing out valuable information on how to be ready in the event of an emergency. The emergency preparedness club works closely with the fire department.

Photos by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

“Our Fire Chief comes to all the meetings that he can attend,” Sandra Humphrey said. “At the meetings there are presentations and demonstrations. Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. We could use some more volunteers.”