Several members and pieces of equipment from the Hamlin Fire Department spent the day at Charlotte Beach participating in “Smoke, Flames and Courage” a celebration of the history of firefighting. The event was sponsored by the City of Rochester Fire Department and the Genesee Valley Antique Fire Apparatus Association. Hamlin had grassfire truck 247, tanker 246 and Engine 55 on display. Several members of the Explorer Post were also on hand to help with the demonstrations and displays.

Tanker 246 provided the porta-pond and water for the demonstrations and the Explorers helped several groups unload antique apparatus then enjoyed the parade of fire fighting and police water craft. A high point was the demonstration of the Friendship  steam powered engine which uses a propeller pump. It is the only on of its kind this side of the Mississippi River. The City of Rochester Fire Department demonstrated their MVA with entrapment response with Rescue 11.

Before working picking up from the demonstrations and reloading the displays the Explorers took a detour around the park and enjoyed a carousel ride and a splash in the lake. All in all it was an enjoyable day.

Thanks to Captain Adam Barker, Karen and Rick Sabourin, Keith Gay and Explorers Jessica Breeze, Mike Meckfessel and Hannah Deserto for their time and professionalism throughout the day.

Story by John Deserto
Photo’s by John and Hannah Deserto