Open House at Fire Station No. 4 Enjoyed by All

The Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services celebrated its 40th year serving the citizens of this county by opening the doors of all 30 of its stations for a behind the scenes look at just what it takes to be a firefighter.

For my weekly Viewfinder assignment, I headed to Peachtree Corners Station No. 4 to get a tour. The Spalding Drive station was a beehive of activity. During the Open House children were allowed to climb into the driver’s seat of two fire trucks and daydream of being a real fire fighter. 

Today’s fire station isn’t just for putting out fires. Among the services provided are advanced life support vehicles staffed with EMTs (emergency medical technicians) and paramedics, swift water rescues and hazardous materials handling. When I visited the big No 4, the EMTs were on a call so I did not get to see the life support truck until it returned from its mission in late afternoon.

The 30 staff members are consistently keeping up with the latest techniques and advisories through video programs that they are required to view on regular recurring intervals. This professional group of individuals provide security for the community even to the point of putting their lives on the line and they do it cheerfully. We are grateful for these brave and selfless souls for their service. They are the true heros who walk among us.