Children clutched plastic fire helmets and parents snapped photos as Sparky the Fire Dog made his way through a crowd outside the Chicago Ridge Fire Department headquarters Thursday night.
For two and a half hours, the station at 10063 Virginia Ave. turned into a hands-on classroom. The free open house gave residents a chance to meet firefighters, watch live demonstrations and climb into the gear of a first responder.
Families tested the weight of a real fire hose, tried on heavy bunker gear and practiced the department’s “Stay Low and Go” escape exercise. Outside, crews used saws and spreaders to peel open a car door during an auto extrication drill.
The event also gave children a rare chance to slide down a fire pole — a feature that drew long lines and plenty of laughter.
Chicago Ridge firefighters guided visitors through each activity, answering questions about equipment and fire safety. They emphasized lessons designed to stick with children long after the night ended.
By the time Sparky posed for his final photos and the hoses were rolled back onto trucks, the department had welcomed dozens of families inside its doors — showing them not only how emergencies are handled, but also how firefighters live and train every day.
