Fire Department hosts third annual Safety Day at Tilden Rodgers Park
Community gets hands on experience in saving lives, plus hot dogs
By DONALD WILBURN
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
Last Saturday, the West Memphis Fire Department (WMFD) held its Third Annual Safety Day at Tilden Rodgers Park, drawing local families to a fun-filled and educational afternoon dedicated to fire safety and community engagement. The event was packed with activities for all ages, including bounce houses, a live DJ, food, and a range of safety demonstrations from each of the fire department’s divisions. Held in the fall – just after back-to-school season and coinciding with National Fire Safety Month – the event aims to raise awareness and promote life-saving skills while fostering stronger community ties.
“Safety Day gives us the opportunity to connect with our community, to share critical fire safety knowledge in a relaxed setting, and to help families have fun while learning,” said Division Chief Robert Mabe. “Fire safety isn’t just important during certain times of the year; it’s something we want everyone to think about year-round.”
The event provided a chance for the public to interact directly with firefighters and experience demonstrations showcasing each division’s unique role. The Inspection Division, responsible for public safety education throughout the year, offered fire extinguisher training for both children and adults. This division regularly works with civic and business groups to conduct safety training, with a particular focus on the proper use of fire extinguishers. “It’s always exciting to see kids’ eyes light up when they get to use the training prop,” said Mabe. “But we make sure they know that if there’s ever a real fire, their first step should always be to exit the building and get to a safe meeting spot.”
The EMS Division hosted a hands-only CPR training station, demonstrating the real-life steps in responding to cardiac arrest – a skill they teach throughout the year. Hands-only CPR has been shown to double the chances of survival in cardiac emergencies, and WMFD aims to equip as many citizens as possible with this life-saving technique. “People are surprised at how different a real cardiac response looks from what’s shown on TV,” said Mabe. “But with our hands-only CPR kits, we’re helping everyone learn how they can make a difference in an emergency.”
Crowd favorite demonstrations included the Training Division’s mock auto accident, complete with an auto extrication display and a visit from the Hospital Wing helicopter. With support from Clark Towing and Auto Recovery of West Memphis, LLC, the display allowed attendees to witness a live rescue simulation and the teamwork involved in a trauma response. “Auto extrication is one of the most challenging situations we face, and this demonstration shows the coordination and skill it takes to save lives,” Mabe explained.
In addition to the displays and demonstrations, healthcare vendors, including Methodist Healthcare, Regional One Health Firefighters’ Burn Center, and LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, were on site to provide further health and safety information to attendees.
Fire Chief Ealy, who initiated the now-annual event, expressed his pride in the past regarding WMFD’s growing interaction with the community. “Our goal is to ensure West Memphis residents know how to protect themselves and their families,” he said. “We’re building strong relationships while instilling safety habits that last a lifetime.”
Safety Day concluded with reminders about the importance of having working smoke detectors, a family escape plan, and a kitchen fire extinguisher – tips the department advises practicing at least twice a year.
Volunteer, Rowan, turned in an Oscar-worthy performance as a car crash victim in an extraction demonstration.
Participants got an up close look at what a simulated medevac looks like.
Adults and children alike got hands-on experience in fire safety at the WMFD annual event.
Photos by Robert Mabe
EMS Division’s CPR training and cardiac arrest demonstration.
