At my department we sent guys out to pass out candy to the children.The guys that did this did it by volunteering thier time.It was one of the most rewarding thing I did for the children in the city that I live in.I was just wondering if any other departments did this or something like it ?It is good PR for the fire departments.
We pass out candy every year. One year we actually dressed up as haunted firemen and had strobes and smoke and of course the spooky music. We would have someone standing outside and tell the kids to come over and then they would let us know and we would open the bay door and come out through the smoke. The kids actually loved it and it was really fun to do. I would like to do that for next year and see if anybody in our department wants to do that next year. We have fun when we do the candy....
Permalink Reply by Bull on November 2, 2008 at 9:53am
We hand out candy at our barn, I usually dress up in my turn out gear with air, not to scare the kids, but to let them know NOT to be scared of us, even though we look like a monster in our gear.
Permalink Reply by Ni on November 2, 2008 at 9:56am
We passed out candy at the station... well.. at least we tried... 10 minutes into handing it out, tones for a large brush fire went out.. and that took up most of the trick or treat time.... Go figure... we left an Explorer to pass out the rest of the candy.
We took two vehicles out in junction with the police deartment and closed down the streets of a very busy neighborhood. This allowed us to hand out candy to the kids and be in the area with personnel in case of an incident which we did have this year. Fortunately is was a minor medical incident and with the vehicles being there we were able to respond on foot and be there in a matter of seconds.
I have noted that in the past 5 years the amount of children who go out to trick or treat has dwindled. More families are inclined to go to "family safe events" like my town has. These events are where they will close down a section of town (in my case, downtown) and they will provide a violence free, bull crap free enviroment which is friendly for kids to enjoy their halloween in. They provide refreshments and also have a "trick or treat trail" where the children will recieve candy and a variety of other goodies.
Starting this would be amazing PR for your department and you may be completely surprised at the businesses and families who would be willing to participate.
we did. the whole crew went to the elementary school for their autumn festival and then to one of our major housing developments and passed out candy and glow sticks. it was a blast..for the kids and us. i think its great PR.