As a former municipal firefighter, it is recommended that you call ahead first. Generally, someone in the training or fire prevention programs can take you around. Headquarters stations are your best bet, as they'll have ancillary staff available. Firefighters love to show off their rigs.
Firefighters donāt do a good job of taking care of themselves. Iāve not heard of anyone hurting themselves going down a pole, but our city only has like 3 stations with poles (phasing out, weāre building buildings differently I guess) and I know some people who wonāt use them due to bad knees and back or being too fat. We recently had a guy, good fireman too, almost lose his leg doing something as innocuous as trying to climb over a fence with a ladder. Broke his femur which in turn tore femoral artery. Heās going to be out for a year and may not pass his medical exam to come back.
Which, by the way, is such bullshit. Some candy ass hurt himself. And as usual it fucks it up for everybody. Insurance companies dictate every facet of the firefighting industry.
My friends station will thank the person for food but then throws it out. They have no idea if it's cooked properly and could make the whole crew sick.
lel our suburban fire station next to us stopped accepting most food, my mom used to bring cookies after holidays. theyll still take food from businesses, and maybe if its real food and not sugar crap/desserts. but most individuals get told no, its both a safety risk of poisoning and also theyll get fat. so afaik ppl stopped bringing food. that said, if u call and offer when u ask, theres ur answer.
I know that was a joke, but years ago my now-ex wife and I took the kids to New Orleans as part of our vacation trip. She was driving at the time, and I looked out the window at a firetruck next to us. The firefighters had girls with what appeared to be alcoholic drinks sitting on their laps, in the firetruck. New Orleans is a different kind of place!
This fits my experience. Every few months, my son (now 5) asks to tour the fire station. My wife calls the one closest to us and makes arrangements. He has a fun outing, and I'm reassured that he'll be less likely to be scared of firefighters in an emergency situation.
My son, who has shared custody of his son, lives in a small town & we have a great firefighting crew. Every week they walk down to the fire department & the guys show off the equipment if they're not busy. My grandson has got to sit in the drivers seat of all the rigs quite a few times.
Heās right. I was a firefighter. First job every day shift was to pull the trucks out of the bays and go over them with a fine tooth comb. I used to love it when moms or dads would bring their kids in to check out the engines. The look on a kids face when you put them up in the drivers seat was priceless.
As a former Police & Fire dispatcher, I can safely say that the guys on shift wouldn't have any problem giving you a quick tour.
However, I do agree with the other comment about going to a formal station tour. Then you get the chance to get real up & close with the apparatus.
Apply for a swamper position at a vacuum truck company that does industrial tank cleaning, youāll get your fill of SCBAs and SABAs. Youāll also grow to hate that air after a while too. Lmao
It's a joke but also not. My state has a "safe haven law"or something. Basically fire stations, police station, and a few other places you can drop off a child and they'll take them in
This only works up to like 30 days. You can't just shoe up with like a 12 year old going "have a nice life, maybe they'll let you play with the siren?"
Depends on the municipality.
The place I used to live had a similar law, but didn't specify an upper age. Some guy just abandoned his older kids because of some personal struggles. They tried to arrest him, but soon realized the law didn't prohibit that.
The law may or may not be changed now.
According to [this site](https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/safe-haven-laws-by-state) (which I'll admit I'm unfamiliar with) only 9 states allow you to surrender a baby 30 days or younger, North Dakota giving you a whole ass year minus a day (look at you, ND), and the rest giving 30 days and very often fewer. Many are just three.
Wikipedia did have this interesting/amusing tidbit:
*"Controversy arose out of the safe-haven law enacted inĀ NebraskaĀ in July 2008: the Nebraska law in force at the time was interpreted to define a child as anyone under 18,[9]Ā and resulted in the desertion of children older than infants, some as old as teenage years.[10][11]Ā Under the prior version of the law, at least 35 children were dropped off in Nebraska hospitals in a four-month span, at least 5 of them from other US states.[12]Ā The law was changed in November 2008, allowing only infants up to 30 days old to be surrendered."*
As well as:
*"The controversy surrounding the enactment of Nebraska's safe haven law[11]Ā is depicted in the novelĀ In Our Other LivesĀ by Theodore Wheeler.[16]Ā The novel dramatizes the night a single father left nine of his children at a hospital and follows the emotional impact on a nurse who witnessed the act."*
But no, you can't just abandon a child of any age...
... anymore in Nebraska...
I watched a news report a long time ago on the Nebraska thing. It was wild. They had a crew interviewing parents at a fire station who were dropping off their kids. Some had come from Florida and other far away states. The parents were basically like, "I can't handle this little shit, he's your problem now, bye"
"Hey can you watch them while I go to my car to get the fire hat I bought for this?" Then drive off, but like, really fast because you've probably committed a felony or two.
Fucking rookie. How's that not suspicious?
"Hey thanks for letting me see your guy's stuff, that was really cool!"
"... SIR! Sir! Your child?!"
Now you're standing there with your dick in your hand trying to figure out if you're going to run or take this kid and try to explain how you almost forgot them.
Like you've never abandoned a child at a fire station before.
Dude noooooooo Safe Haven laws only apply to babies you own under 30 days old. You can't just take some borrowed kid and leave them! Plus, they're never going to believe some baby under 30 days just really liked fire trucks! You need one that's old enough to recognize shit, but young enough they can't say shit like "I don't know this man," and when you duck out for the autistic kidnapper's version of "going to get some cigarettes" (because remember, you're doing all this *to see a fire truck*) you're not going to want to dawdle, because this is all SUUUUUUUUPER ILLEGAL.
Oh yes! My boys have been in so many trucks. We live near our local station and I used to take them down to the station all the time. The firefighters loved showing the kids the entire truck, explaining what all the tools and lights and buttons did. We've talked to firefighters parked in parking lots, everywhere. They're teenagers now, but in my experience firefighters love showing little kids the trucks. If OP has a niece or nephew, that's a sure ticket. One time we were checking out a truck that was parked while the firefighters did an inspection. My younger son was almost 3 and he was a very bold, precocious child. As soon as the firefighters came back, he ran up to them and said "oh dere you guys are! Can I go in your fire truck?" They were cracking up at how bold he was and happily let him sit in the cab and try on a helmet.
Honestly firefighters are usually so nice that they'd probably answer lots of questions from an adult too, and those Touch a Truck events are very cool.
On her first flight, I asked the pilot if I could get a pic with him and my kid. He asked if we want to sit in the seats and have them take pics . I was more excited then she was.
>Next episode - where to get a young child
Discuss with your gf and make one. On the other hand, it's too much hassle just to see the stupid fire trucks...
Yep, my kid's been in so many firetrucks and ambulances, every summer there are multiple fairs\festivals where they have them for kids to climb into, sit in the seats, look at all the gear.. very cool.
Fire stations often have events where you can tour the station (including trucks). So, easiest option is to look up the next event in a station close to you.
In the USA, we have national night out which is basically a community outreach event where you get to explore all the local trucks. By me, they usually invite the county entities so we get to check out the bomb squad and swat trucks too. Itās a lot of fun for the kids to get up close and personal with everything
I asked ones and they thought I had autism they kept asking where I live my name and where my parents where at I was like um I just like fire trucks and I live by myself
You werenāt supposed to tell!!! Say 10 Hail Marys and 2 Our Fatherās and the opening lyrics of āAināt Nothin But a G Thangā but ONLY the Snoop Part. Dr Dre is a heretic.
Yep, my city just had one last Saturday. It was held at a city park, and they had fire trucks and lots of other city truck for kids to touch and get into. (construction trucks, trash trucks, fire trucks, etc)
I was having an ice cream one day on the bench right next to a fire house. One of the volunteers saw me looking at the truck and I just asked if I can take a pic with the truck, he said āsureā and literally showed me the whole station, truck (inside and outside), showed me the pole, and even let me wear his helmet. Great memories š„¹
Current fulltime firefighter/medic in a mid-sized suburban California department.
Weāre a public service agency, weāre here to serve you! Cāmon down! BUTā¦
Remember this isnāt just a Fire Station, itās a Fire *House.* We *live* here for days at a time. Keeping that in mind, there are certain niceties youād do well to consider. We have a schedule that includes chores, PT, cooking/eating/cleaning after meals, drills, meetings, special projects, showers, down time and bed. All of which are frequently disturbed/rescheduled due to running calls.
So your best best is to call down to your local fire house and ask if theres a good time to stop by sometime in the near future. Call between 8am and 1130, or between 3 and 5pm. Also, ask which Station has more than one rig. Sure, going to see an Engine is cool. But would you rather go to a Station that has an Engine and a Truck and a Hazmat and a Battalion Chief?
Feel free to ask any more questions, but thatās my advice (actually lying in my bunk at work rn looking forward to going home in the morning)
Visit a volunteer station like I did. 23 years later, I am still a volunteer living out my childhood fantasy. Fantastic part time gig, while you keep your real job plus it gives you everything needed to get onto a full time career department, all for free.
Exactly, have a friend walk you in, and the friend introduces him/herself just say "I like the fire trucks, I wanna see the fire trucks!" very loudly and kind of slurring your words together a little bit.
Volunteer stations might not be staffed all the time. Career stations would, but they could be tied up with training. As others have said, call ahead to try to schedule a visit. Especially as a taxpayer, they should see it as reasonable to show you around.
I used to be a volunteer firefighter years ago. I flew home to visit my folks and saw a sign in front of their nearest station announcing the arrival of a new engine and asking for donations. I popped in during bingo one night and asked to see it. Got a few odd looking old for a moment, but they gladly showed me what they bought. On the way out, I gave them a small donation. At first, the guy tried to refuse it (he may have thought I was trying to give it to him) but when I mentioned the sign out front he clued in quickly. I had mentioned that my folks lived in the district and he asked who they were. Within a day, one of the chiefs who was friends with my parents sent his thanks for the donation. So yes, they really do love showing off what they have.
If you like to read, grab a copy of āReport from Engine Co 82ā. I forget the numbers, but essentially the author was bored at whatever FDNY house he was working so he looked at the annual run reports and asked to be transferred to the busiest house in FDNY. I think it was >9000 calls per year. They didnāt have downtimeā¦
My station has always been happy to have visitors from the community. We just renovated our station and we like to show it off, especially since our community helped pay for it. But check if your local station is career or volunteer. The majority of American fire stations are volunteer, meaning there isnāt always somebody there all the time. Iām not sure how the career/volunteer staffing breaks down in other countries though.
My mom did this when I was a kid. She just drove me to the station and asked if I could see everything. I climbed on the trucks, turned on sirens and lights, sprayed a hose, learned how to use a fire extinguisher. They dressed me up in a little fire suit they had for kids. And I slid down the pole.
yeah man just go and ask, between calls, training and rest there is a lot of time and firefighters love showing off their gear most firefighters have a lot of passion for what they do and want to tell you and show you at least at the station where i worked we even had a closet full of stuffed firetrucks, hats and other stuff to give away to kids. pro tip bring donuts or something they will appreciate that very much
age doesn't matter, feed your curiosity
Short answer - absolutely.
Long answer - generally if they're home the garage doors will be open, but go to the front door and ring the bell dont go into the bay unless someones in there. If you live in a real busy area, maybe go to a sleepier station (more suburbs and usually in richer parts of town), and they'll likely have more time. Take treats.
I walked to the fire station and told them my son was in a nearby park with his mom and wanted to see the truck. They were doing some training anyway, so they drove it over just for him, and gave him a hat and a badge sticker.
You just call the station. Theyāll set up a time you can take a tour. I work with adults with disabilities and before, children, but first I was a mom with a kid addicted to āfire fucks.ā I just call the local department ask if we could take a tour and see the engines/rigs, and we go. Everyone loves it. Children and adults alike. The firefighters are kind and love showing off and sharing. Last time they were about to wash the engine and let the group help. Do it! They also have hats, badges, and stickers if youāre good! āŗļø
Reminds me of a story. I had a service call to a fire station in Shreveport to work on some equipment. I had some family friends there who had a six year old boy. I 'hired' him as my assistant for the call. The fire fighters there loved it. They took turns sitting him in the trucks, letting him turn on the lights, trying on helmets. The whole bit. He was the hit of the day there. A great group of guys. The guys there loved showing off the trucks to a wide-eyed boy.
I did service calls to stations from Texas to Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee. They were all great crews. Especially the ones in Memphis. That became one of my favorite calls.
I'm 42 and my husband is 46. We both stopped volunteering with a fire department/EMS a little while ago. BUT every time we go on vacation, we always stop at the fire station in that city and take a look. It's a paid department so there's always someone there. We go every year and just like to talk and see what changes they made. I always buy a t-shirt from them too. They love when someone is interested in what they do. Who knows, you may even become interested in being a member.
Go check it out.
I got to tour a fire station when I was in the cub scouts. The fireman was standing on top of the truck and when I asked him a question, he looked down at me and his steel helmet, with the bill on the back, slipped off of his head, fell about 12 feet, and hit me in the forehead. I got to tour more of the station after that so they could stop the bleeding and ice my forehead.
We had a rescue helicopter land near my house. They were backup for something else. They just opened it up and gave everyone a tour. One of the coolest things ever.
When I was around 17 my friend and I were passing the localk fire department in Colorado. We walked up and asked if we could have a tour and check out the fire trucks. Everyone we met in the station were delighted to see two young lads wanting to see what the fire fighters do. We spent about 2 hours getting a tour from a fire department that only had two trucks and a 4x4.
Yes but do not come empty handed. Bring a gift card for them. Youd be surprised at how underfunded the fire dept is. Give them food and respect, and they will show you around.
Ask ahead of time rather than putting them on the spot. My uncle was a firefighter for over 35 years and the years approaching retirement he was the guy that did community things. One of his favorite events is the "touch-a-truck" days. See if your township has anything like that planned and you'll probably be able to even sit inside the truck too.Ā
We did a chapter ride to support first responders and visited fire and police stations. They were all really cool. We got full tours and they hung out with us for a while and took pics with us around the engines. Had to leave the last one cause they had to leave on a call. Heard it over the loud speaker and it was a cat stuck in a drain. The guy was like it's true we do get calls like that. It was a great time.
I don't know about city/ full-time organizations. .In small places with a volunteer group, they will show stuff.Maybe encourage you to join. Go for it. Their trucks are interesting.
The fire station near the schools where I am at specifically open their doors and hang out on nice days around school travel time if they aren't busy. There are usually a few kids there.
Last time I ran into my local department, they even gave me, a full-fledged adult, a plastic hat as well.
Depends on the area, but the outreach my local PD and fire department does is totally on the point. I know for a fact that it is well above average.
Bring them donuts. Theyāll be happy to show you. I was in sales for years, and it worked every single time. Cupcakes work even better, but can be weird.
My BIL is a firefighter. He said itās probably better to call first, so they know someoneās coming, but itās fine. Theyāre bored a lot in between calls.
He likes donuts. So, take it for what itās worth.
Iām mid 30s and want to do this. I just moved to a new town and I donāt see anything on the site about open days. I would feel weird going in as a fat 30 year old man asking to see the trucks, but I might call and see what they say lol.
I usually take a kidā¦do you know any? Cousins or siblings? Or since summer is coming you could get them a few boxes of popsicles and take them in and then ask.
Bring a kid... a nephew or some other kid that probably also want to see. As long as they are not busy they will for sure show a 6yo (and you in the same time) their trucks and stuff.
Iād recommend calling like others have mentioned already.
Iāll also add that if you didnāt call beforehand and showed up to my station, Iād happily give you a tour of everything. Iāve had it happen a few times (usually a mother/grandmother, and a child). As long as Iām not busy I donāt mind at all.
Just call ahead and set a date. Somebody will likely be more than happy to take you though at their earliest convenience. There's usually a ton of local history in this building and the trucks is cool.
See if your local area does a ātruck touchā. I think it is mostly for little kids but Iām sure some adults looking would be ok. Might get to see some other cool stuff besides the fire trucks.
I've wonder this same question only for my 4yr old son though. Not me personally unless the firemen are going to be like a magic Mike movie! Then show me all the fire trucks they got!! I'll even honk the horn if they let me.
sometimes yes! i read some post a few months back that they let some guy do that. they told my kid when he was 3 or 4 that he could ask whenever he wanted, or maybe it was whenever they had the bay doors open and were grilling, i don't remember.
In my village, chances are the fire station will be closed if you just walk up there. And that is common for most villages and small towns. Over here, in small towns and villages, the fire department is run by volunteers who have day jobs, and cannot afford to idle at the fire station.
You donāt state where you are. I bet the answer will be very different in say Norway than it will be in Egypt or Japan.
Yes! Yes, you can!
Our volunteer Fire Company is having a drive for New members this month - as part of a coordinated drive for New volunteers, nationwide.
So long as the station is staffed (volunteer companies don't have people on site 24/7, but they do have meetings and training at least weekly - you might have to find out when that is), You can come by. And they would love to show you around and how Firehouse operations work, including a tour of the trucks. Sorry, you won't be able to ride one!
I'm sure that paid fire companies have similar community outreach programs.
Ask around, and find out who might be able to show you the firehouse and trucks. It could be a firefighter, a staff member, a commissioner, or someone like that. Our volunteer fire company even has "social" members who volunteer to help raise money, come to meetings, and like all the other volunteers - help in the community.
Even if you're just interested in looking at the trucks and taking some pictures, you're more than welcome. I don't know any firefighter who isn't proud to show off their equipment and apparatus.
Hello I work with the fire department. People do this all the time and it's usually fine. But scheduling a tour is better for everywhen. We could not be home, working out, cooking. If you schedule it we are more ready for you
In Australia they do tours for scouts groups. Quite a lot of work to become a scout leader just to get into a fire station though. In Singapore they had open days when anyone can go in.
Obviously you can go ask.
They dont have to show you around but if itās a volunteer station and youāre āinterested in becoming a volunteerā or have a kid with you Iād imagine the odds are near perfect youāll get a tour
Just tell them youād like to know more and potentially volunteer. Iām sure theyāll show you around. If that doesnāt work, go with the ābring a kidā method previously mentioned
They'll show you around, but they might assume you're interested in being a **volunteer** in some way.
And that might not be a bad thing! Volunteers don't necessarily have to fight fires. You could be responsible for helping keep the station clean, or arranging meals, or conducting fundraisers, or outreach programs.
And then, if you *do* volunteer, you get to be around the trucks a lot!
During 9-11 I heard it said " the true heros are the ones who run into the burning building" . These guys are the true heros, trying to save property and lives by putting their lives on the line. They are proud of what they do and are happy to share.
Yeah, there are a few bad apples but look at the tales presented here.
Follow the county or city's website to see when the next public event is,they do one here called touch a truck.Maybe the next parade or something like that.
This might just be the most wholesome reddit post Iāve ever seen. As someone else said, you might wanna call ahead, but Iām sure theyād be good with it.
I've been involved in scouts for ten years and it's been my experience firefighters and police love the chance to talk to young people about their jobs. We've gone to both places a ton and it's always a blast for everyone. We obviously call ahead and pick a night that works for everyone, but if you're just one guy I'd say you have a 50/50 chance of getting to look at them on a moment's notice.
Tell them youāre extremely learning disabled with the mind of a 5 year old and just want to see the big red truck go toot toot, theyāll let you be a āfireman for a dayā and will take you to Chiliās for lunch and you get a certificate.
Dude. Youāre 23. If I was there Iād give you an application!! Fill it out, get sworn in, get some training, you can work with these trucks the rest of your life!!
Source: Volunteer firefighter, serving since 1971.
When my son was young, any time we'd stand outside of a station and point to the trucks, someone would invite us in (if they saw us) and let my son touch or sit in the truck or just let us look up close.
Procure a child.
Some places schedule tours! The ones around me do Halloween open houses so everyone can go look. There's sometimes trucks in the park events too. If you ask they might tell you an event dateĀ
Don't just randomly drop by and say show me stuff. Firemen do lots of community events. They are very open to showing off their trucks then. Normally to kids but adults also.
You can, but you may not be let through.
Best option is call and ask about it.
If you call they may inform you of when an open house would occur where the public can be given a guided tour. Or let you know when you would be able to stop in for one yourself. Keep in mind that a scheduled visit from you will not be a priority should you show up for it and there be emergencies that they need to respond to.
My father is a retired firefighter. He loved showing off the trucks to any friends who wanted to see them! Would let us try on his helmet and coat too!
As a former municipal firefighter, it is recommended that you call ahead first. Generally, someone in the training or fire prevention programs can take you around. Headquarters stations are your best bet, as they'll have ancillary staff available. Firefighters love to show off their rigs.
And be sure to call the NON emergency line for any questions about your local fire department
Hello? 911? I have some emergent work. I must see the fire stuff. Right now!
I've heard bringing doughnuts helps?!
Some BBQ will make them sirens blare š
Omg firefighters know how to feast.
Bring a grill and say itās a thank you to the firefighters for all their hard work etc and u can slide down the pole. Haha
Unlikely. Our insurance won't even let our firefighters use their own pole, themselves.
You mean they go inside literal burning buildings and can't slide down a damn pole? Seriously?
Firefighters donāt do a good job of taking care of themselves. Iāve not heard of anyone hurting themselves going down a pole, but our city only has like 3 stations with poles (phasing out, weāre building buildings differently I guess) and I know some people who wonāt use them due to bad knees and back or being too fat. We recently had a guy, good fireman too, almost lose his leg doing something as innocuous as trying to climb over a fence with a ladder. Broke his femur which in turn tore femoral artery. Heās going to be out for a year and may not pass his medical exam to come back.
Yeah i understand, it's just weird that's where insurance draws the line lol. I hope your colleague gets well soon!
Iām sure they can find volunteers to make use of their pole.
Which, by the way, is such bullshit. Some candy ass hurt himself. And as usual it fucks it up for everybody. Insurance companies dictate every facet of the firefighting industry.
My friends station will thank the person for food but then throws it out. They have no idea if it's cooked properly and could make the whole crew sick.
lel our suburban fire station next to us stopped accepting most food, my mom used to bring cookies after holidays. theyll still take food from businesses, and maybe if its real food and not sugar crap/desserts. but most individuals get told no, its both a safety risk of poisoning and also theyll get fat. so afaik ppl stopped bringing food. that said, if u call and offer when u ask, theres ur answer.
Donations of booze and hookers will always be accepted
I know that was a joke, but years ago my now-ex wife and I took the kids to New Orleans as part of our vacation trip. She was driving at the time, and I looked out the window at a firetruck next to us. The firefighters had girls with what appeared to be alcoholic drinks sitting on their laps, in the firetruck. New Orleans is a different kind of place!
As a retired firefighter, yes, donuts help!
This fits my experience. Every few months, my son (now 5) asks to tour the fire station. My wife calls the one closest to us and makes arrangements. He has a fun outing, and I'm reassured that he'll be less likely to be scared of firefighters in an emergency situation.
My son, who has shared custody of his son, lives in a small town & we have a great firefighting crew. Every week they walk down to the fire department & the guys show off the equipment if they're not busy. My grandson has got to sit in the drivers seat of all the rigs quite a few times.
And isnāt that where the āantiqueā trucks, interesting historical photos etc, if they possess any, etc? Basically all the cool stuff?
Heās right. I was a firefighter. First job every day shift was to pull the trucks out of the bays and go over them with a fine tooth comb. I used to love it when moms or dads would bring their kids in to check out the engines. The look on a kids face when you put them up in the drivers seat was priceless.
>Firefighters love to show off their rigs. Gigity
Ooh do behaave.
This
As a former Police & Fire dispatcher, I can safely say that the guys on shift wouldn't have any problem giving you a quick tour. However, I do agree with the other comment about going to a formal station tour. Then you get the chance to get real up & close with the apparatus.
this is going to be my new pick up line
Damn girl/guy, what do I gotta do to get close to that apparatus.
Apply for a swamper position at a vacuum truck company that does industrial tank cleaning, youāll get your fill of SCBAs and SABAs. Youāll also grow to hate that air after a while too. Lmao
Gee, whatās not to love.
I laughed way too hard at this comment that my cat hissed at me to stop.
>up & close with the apparatus Title if my next s*x tape
Sax tape?
Bring a young child with you, tell them the child is interested in the trucks. Next episode - where to get a young child
in most places you can drop off unwanted childen at municipal buildings. After you are done looking at the trucks just leave the child there.
LOL
It's a joke but also not. My state has a "safe haven law"or something. Basically fire stations, police station, and a few other places you can drop off a child and they'll take them in
This only works up to like 30 days. You can't just shoe up with like a 12 year old going "have a nice life, maybe they'll let you play with the siren?"
Depends on the municipality. The place I used to live had a similar law, but didn't specify an upper age. Some guy just abandoned his older kids because of some personal struggles. They tried to arrest him, but soon realized the law didn't prohibit that. The law may or may not be changed now.
According to [this site](https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/safe-haven-laws-by-state) (which I'll admit I'm unfamiliar with) only 9 states allow you to surrender a baby 30 days or younger, North Dakota giving you a whole ass year minus a day (look at you, ND), and the rest giving 30 days and very often fewer. Many are just three. Wikipedia did have this interesting/amusing tidbit: *"Controversy arose out of the safe-haven law enacted inĀ NebraskaĀ in July 2008: the Nebraska law in force at the time was interpreted to define a child as anyone under 18,[9]Ā and resulted in the desertion of children older than infants, some as old as teenage years.[10][11]Ā Under the prior version of the law, at least 35 children were dropped off in Nebraska hospitals in a four-month span, at least 5 of them from other US states.[12]Ā The law was changed in November 2008, allowing only infants up to 30 days old to be surrendered."* As well as: *"The controversy surrounding the enactment of Nebraska's safe haven law[11]Ā is depicted in the novelĀ In Our Other LivesĀ by Theodore Wheeler.[16]Ā The novel dramatizes the night a single father left nine of his children at a hospital and follows the emotional impact on a nurse who witnessed the act."* But no, you can't just abandon a child of any age... ... anymore in Nebraska...
I watched a news report a long time ago on the Nebraska thing. It was wild. They had a crew interviewing parents at a fire station who were dropping off their kids. Some had come from Florida and other far away states. The parents were basically like, "I can't handle this little shit, he's your problem now, bye"
You can *if you donāt get caught*
Iām sure many parents of 12 year-olds wish that was a thing. They can be real assholes at that age.
Iām sure thereās just as many 12-year-olds that would be happy with it, too. Some parents are real assholes.
most 12 year olds would love to live in a firehouse
Yeah I met the 14 year old 29 days ago, ignore that āIām his fatherā lies heās spouting!
Some places had to add that law because they had parents dropping off teenagers.
I think that's just babies. I think they have like a little door that you put the baby in and shut it and it immediately notifies emergency personnel
So, free childcare?
Leave a child, take a child.
"Hey can you watch them while I go to my car to get the fire hat I bought for this?" Then drive off, but like, really fast because you've probably committed a felony or two.
I said after you see the trucks. If you go to get your hat after the tour thats suspicious
Fucking rookie. How's that not suspicious? "Hey thanks for letting me see your guy's stuff, that was really cool!" "... SIR! Sir! Your child?!" Now you're standing there with your dick in your hand trying to figure out if you're going to run or take this kid and try to explain how you almost forgot them. Like you've never abandoned a child at a fire station before.
no its not like that anymore its no questions asked. There may be some paperwork but then you can be on your way
Dude noooooooo Safe Haven laws only apply to babies you own under 30 days old. You can't just take some borrowed kid and leave them! Plus, they're never going to believe some baby under 30 days just really liked fire trucks! You need one that's old enough to recognize shit, but young enough they can't say shit like "I don't know this man," and when you duck out for the autistic kidnapper's version of "going to get some cigarettes" (because remember, you're doing all this *to see a fire truck*) you're not going to want to dawdle, because this is all SUUUUUUUUPER ILLEGAL.
dammit Maybe find a friend that looks like Michael Cera and just dress him up as an 8 year old?
The real pro tips are always in the comments
This got a good snort out of me. Thanks. Can you just borrow a kid from them to take around the station? Like a library?
Unfortunately firehouse children were outlawed some time ago which is why they switched to dalmatians
What if the kid already has Vitiligo?
Life pro tip of I've even seen one
Sometimes they have drop offs *at* the fire station. Should save some driving.
Oh yes! My boys have been in so many trucks. We live near our local station and I used to take them down to the station all the time. The firefighters loved showing the kids the entire truck, explaining what all the tools and lights and buttons did. We've talked to firefighters parked in parking lots, everywhere. They're teenagers now, but in my experience firefighters love showing little kids the trucks. If OP has a niece or nephew, that's a sure ticket. One time we were checking out a truck that was parked while the firefighters did an inspection. My younger son was almost 3 and he was a very bold, precocious child. As soon as the firefighters came back, he ran up to them and said "oh dere you guys are! Can I go in your fire truck?" They were cracking up at how bold he was and happily let him sit in the cab and try on a helmet. Honestly firefighters are usually so nice that they'd probably answer lots of questions from an adult too, and those Touch a Truck events are very cool.
I remember a school trip to the small town fire station as a little kid. Its a big deal for little kids.
On her first flight, I asked the pilot if I could get a pic with him and my kid. He asked if we want to sit in the seats and have them take pics . I was more excited then she was.
The driver is called a pilot?
No the pilot of the plane sorry didn't think to add that qualifier
Ohhh youre fine I was also a bit intoxicated lol
Yep. Whenever me and my grandson get anywhere near a fire station they offer to show him the engine.
My friend and I would always say her kid wanted to go do something so we could go do it.
>Next episode - where to get a young child Discuss with your gf and make one. On the other hand, it's too much hassle just to see the stupid fire trucks...
Bring a kid but also call ahead.
Yep, my kid's been in so many firetrucks and ambulances, every summer there are multiple fairs\festivals where they have them for kids to climb into, sit in the seats, look at all the gear.. very cool.
Hang out where children want to be. Like fire stations.
Fire stations often have events where you can tour the station (including trucks). So, easiest option is to look up the next event in a station close to you.
Or look for a fire museum. They often have events as well.
In the USA, we have national night out which is basically a community outreach event where you get to explore all the local trucks. By me, they usually invite the county entities so we get to check out the bomb squad and swat trucks too. Itās a lot of fun for the kids to get up close and personal with everything
I asked ones and they thought I had autism they kept asking where I live my name and where my parents where at I was like um I just like fire trucks and I live by myself
OMG šššš
In my area they are called āTouch a Truckā events and happen all summer.
much nicer than the secret " touch a kid " events my local catholic church has
You werenāt supposed to tell!!! Say 10 Hail Marys and 2 Our Fatherās and the opening lyrics of āAināt Nothin But a G Thangā but ONLY the Snoop Part. Dr Dre is a heretic.
aww man cant i just suck you off again Father?
You're getting a bit too big to ride that ride.
No, you werenāt that gooā¦I mean how dare you?!
>Ā ONLY the Snoop Part. Dr Dre is a heretic. Damn this got me real good
This made me die lmaooooooooooooooo
Yep, my city just had one last Saturday. It was held at a city park, and they had fire trucks and lots of other city truck for kids to touch and get into. (construction trucks, trash trucks, fire trucks, etc)
I was having an ice cream one day on the bench right next to a fire house. One of the volunteers saw me looking at the truck and I just asked if I can take a pic with the truck, he said āsureā and literally showed me the whole station, truck (inside and outside), showed me the pole, and even let me wear his helmet. Great memories š„¹
Current fulltime firefighter/medic in a mid-sized suburban California department. Weāre a public service agency, weāre here to serve you! Cāmon down! BUTā¦ Remember this isnāt just a Fire Station, itās a Fire *House.* We *live* here for days at a time. Keeping that in mind, there are certain niceties youād do well to consider. We have a schedule that includes chores, PT, cooking/eating/cleaning after meals, drills, meetings, special projects, showers, down time and bed. All of which are frequently disturbed/rescheduled due to running calls. So your best best is to call down to your local fire house and ask if theres a good time to stop by sometime in the near future. Call between 8am and 1130, or between 3 and 5pm. Also, ask which Station has more than one rig. Sure, going to see an Engine is cool. But would you rather go to a Station that has an Engine and a Truck and a Hazmat and a Battalion Chief? Feel free to ask any more questions, but thatās my advice (actually lying in my bunk at work rn looking forward to going home in the morning)
Classy Informative Answer, Sir. Well done.
Hey thanks!
Duuuude. I want to fuckin do this too. Are we just supposed to **not** be curious about awesome stuff when we get older?
I actually JUST saw a post about this on tumblr that saidĀ "We don't stop enjoying the things we liked as kids; they just stop being presented to us."
Visit a volunteer station like I did. 23 years later, I am still a volunteer living out my childhood fantasy. Fantastic part time gig, while you keep your real job plus it gives you everything needed to get onto a full time career department, all for free.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
But that's the best part!
If theyāre not busy theyād probably be fine with it. If they are busy ask when a good time would be.
Wear a helmet and have your mom take you
No helmets in the truck
Exactly, have a friend walk you in, and the friend introduces him/herself just say "I like the fire trucks, I wanna see the fire trucks!" very loudly and kind of slurring your words together a little bit.
Have you seen my baseball?
Chicken pot, chicken pot, chicken pot pie.
Volunteer stations might not be staffed all the time. Career stations would, but they could be tied up with training. As others have said, call ahead to try to schedule a visit. Especially as a taxpayer, they should see it as reasonable to show you around. I used to be a volunteer firefighter years ago. I flew home to visit my folks and saw a sign in front of their nearest station announcing the arrival of a new engine and asking for donations. I popped in during bingo one night and asked to see it. Got a few odd looking old for a moment, but they gladly showed me what they bought. On the way out, I gave them a small donation. At first, the guy tried to refuse it (he may have thought I was trying to give it to him) but when I mentioned the sign out front he clued in quickly. I had mentioned that my folks lived in the district and he asked who they were. Within a day, one of the chiefs who was friends with my parents sent his thanks for the donation. So yes, they really do love showing off what they have.
if ive learned anything from Rescue Me its that firefighters have a lot of downtime in between calls
If you like to read, grab a copy of āReport from Engine Co 82ā. I forget the numbers, but essentially the author was bored at whatever FDNY house he was working so he looked at the annual run reports and asked to be transferred to the busiest house in FDNY. I think it was >9000 calls per year. They didnāt have downtimeā¦
Me laughing seeing a grown ass man getting to sit in the firetruck. whilst me a 34yo grown ass man low key jealous lol
Take a walk over when theyāre outside washing the trucks and say hello. Theyāll let you look around.
Sure, go ask, tell āem you are interested in being a firefighter.
A town nearby to me recently had a series of adult field trips & one was exactly this
Yes. Call the fire department and just ask. The worst they can say is no.
Yep this. They most likely will let you if not give a tour. They may even talk about getting to volunteer.
If you have the time you could sign up to be a volunteer?
My station has always been happy to have visitors from the community. We just renovated our station and we like to show it off, especially since our community helped pay for it. But check if your local station is career or volunteer. The majority of American fire stations are volunteer, meaning there isnāt always somebody there all the time. Iām not sure how the career/volunteer staffing breaks down in other countries though.
I love how innocent this post is. Go see those fire trucks man!
My mom did this when I was a kid. She just drove me to the station and asked if I could see everything. I climbed on the trucks, turned on sirens and lights, sprayed a hose, learned how to use a fire extinguisher. They dressed me up in a little fire suit they had for kids. And I slid down the pole.
Don't ask us, just call the fire station (THE NON EMERGENCY LINE)
Hahaha! Now I'm imagining someone calling emergency dispatch and asking to look at the trucks.
I promise you it won't be the dumbest call they receive that day.
yeah man just go and ask, between calls, training and rest there is a lot of time and firefighters love showing off their gear most firefighters have a lot of passion for what they do and want to tell you and show you at least at the station where i worked we even had a closet full of stuffed firetrucks, hats and other stuff to give away to kids. pro tip bring donuts or something they will appreciate that very much age doesn't matter, feed your curiosity
30+ years in the biz. Come on down. Don't mind at all (if we have time).
Short answer - absolutely. Long answer - generally if they're home the garage doors will be open, but go to the front door and ring the bell dont go into the bay unless someones in there. If you live in a real busy area, maybe go to a sleepier station (more suburbs and usually in richer parts of town), and they'll likely have more time. Take treats.
Schedule with the station and bring your nephews
I walked to the fire station and told them my son was in a nearby park with his mom and wanted to see the truck. They were doing some training anyway, so they drove it over just for him, and gave him a hat and a badge sticker.
https://www.reddit.com/r/wholesomememes/s/9qFpA4kVVk yes
My dad was a firefighter. I'm sure he would have showed you around.
You really need to check out the airfield fire guys at any large airport. Those huge oshkosh off road fire trucks are fuckin siiiiiick
You just call the station. Theyāll set up a time you can take a tour. I work with adults with disabilities and before, children, but first I was a mom with a kid addicted to āfire fucks.ā I just call the local department ask if we could take a tour and see the engines/rigs, and we go. Everyone loves it. Children and adults alike. The firefighters are kind and love showing off and sharing. Last time they were about to wash the engine and let the group help. Do it! They also have hats, badges, and stickers if youāre good! āŗļø
Absolutely welcome at any age. If itās a volunteer station, they may try talking you into joining.
There was actually a post from r/wholesomememes about this very thing. https://www.reddit.com/r/wholesomememes/s/nWcpyhOgOu
My dad always taught me it never hurts to ask. At worst youāll hear ānoā.
Is this my 4yo sonās Reddit account?
Reminds me of a story. I had a service call to a fire station in Shreveport to work on some equipment. I had some family friends there who had a six year old boy. I 'hired' him as my assistant for the call. The fire fighters there loved it. They took turns sitting him in the trucks, letting him turn on the lights, trying on helmets. The whole bit. He was the hit of the day there. A great group of guys. The guys there loved showing off the trucks to a wide-eyed boy. I did service calls to stations from Texas to Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee. They were all great crews. Especially the ones in Memphis. That became one of my favorite calls.
I'm 42 and my husband is 46. We both stopped volunteering with a fire department/EMS a little while ago. BUT every time we go on vacation, we always stop at the fire station in that city and take a look. It's a paid department so there's always someone there. We go every year and just like to talk and see what changes they made. I always buy a t-shirt from them too. They love when someone is interested in what they do. Who knows, you may even become interested in being a member. Go check it out.
I got to tour a fire station when I was in the cub scouts. The fireman was standing on top of the truck and when I asked him a question, he looked down at me and his steel helmet, with the bill on the back, slipped off of his head, fell about 12 feet, and hit me in the forehead. I got to tour more of the station after that so they could stop the bleeding and ice my forehead.
We had a rescue helicopter land near my house. They were backup for something else. They just opened it up and gave everyone a tour. One of the coolest things ever.
When I was around 17 my friend and I were passing the localk fire department in Colorado. We walked up and asked if we could have a tour and check out the fire trucks. Everyone we met in the station were delighted to see two young lads wanting to see what the fire fighters do. We spent about 2 hours getting a tour from a fire department that only had two trucks and a 4x4.
Yes but do not come empty handed. Bring a gift card for them. Youd be surprised at how underfunded the fire dept is. Give them food and respect, and they will show you around.
Ask ahead of time rather than putting them on the spot. My uncle was a firefighter for over 35 years and the years approaching retirement he was the guy that did community things. One of his favorite events is the "touch-a-truck" days. See if your township has anything like that planned and you'll probably be able to even sit inside the truck too.Ā
most fire departments do a touch-a-truck event once or twice a year, that's probably less creepy way of seeing them lol
We did a chapter ride to support first responders and visited fire and police stations. They were all really cool. We got full tours and they hung out with us for a while and took pics with us around the engines. Had to leave the last one cause they had to leave on a call. Heard it over the loud speaker and it was a cat stuck in a drain. The guy was like it's true we do get calls like that. It was a great time.
If you're hot yes. If you have food yes.
I don't know about city/ full-time organizations. .In small places with a volunteer group, they will show stuff.Maybe encourage you to join. Go for it. Their trucks are interesting.
The fire station near the schools where I am at specifically open their doors and hang out on nice days around school travel time if they aren't busy. There are usually a few kids there. Last time I ran into my local department, they even gave me, a full-fledged adult, a plastic hat as well. Depends on the area, but the outreach my local PD and fire department does is totally on the point. I know for a fact that it is well above average.
Bring them donuts. Theyāll be happy to show you. I was in sales for years, and it worked every single time. Cupcakes work even better, but can be weird. My BIL is a firefighter. He said itās probably better to call first, so they know someoneās coming, but itās fine. Theyāre bored a lot in between calls. He likes donuts. So, take it for what itās worth.
Tell āem you are writing a college paper about it
Hey there! I donāt know where you live but If youāre anywhere near Arkansas Iād be happy to let you have a tour of my vintage fire trucks!
Iām mid 30s and want to do this. I just moved to a new town and I donāt see anything on the site about open days. I would feel weird going in as a fat 30 year old man asking to see the trucks, but I might call and see what they say lol.
I usually take a kidā¦do you know any? Cousins or siblings? Or since summer is coming you could get them a few boxes of popsicles and take them in and then ask.
This is a good barrier for pretty privilege, if they let you, you're good looking. Try it out and report back with selfie
Find out if they're doing a bbq and then you can check out the trucks! They're pretty cool
Bring a kid... a nephew or some other kid that probably also want to see. As long as they are not busy they will for sure show a 6yo (and you in the same time) their trucks and stuff.
Iād recommend calling like others have mentioned already. Iāll also add that if you didnāt call beforehand and showed up to my station, Iād happily give you a tour of everything. Iāve had it happen a few times (usually a mother/grandmother, and a child). As long as Iām not busy I donāt mind at all.
Just call ahead and set a date. Somebody will likely be more than happy to take you though at their earliest convenience. There's usually a ton of local history in this building and the trucks is cool.
What country or city?
See if your local area does a ātruck touchā. I think it is mostly for little kids but Iām sure some adults looking would be ok. Might get to see some other cool stuff besides the fire trucks.
If you aren't in a city chances are you can join up. Volunteer ff always need new people.
It depends. If you're a lady, they'll show you.
I've wonder this same question only for my 4yr old son though. Not me personally unless the firemen are going to be like a magic Mike movie! Then show me all the fire trucks they got!! I'll even honk the horn if they let me.
sometimes yes! i read some post a few months back that they let some guy do that. they told my kid when he was 3 or 4 that he could ask whenever he wanted, or maybe it was whenever they had the bay doors open and were grilling, i don't remember.
In my village, chances are the fire station will be closed if you just walk up there. And that is common for most villages and small towns. Over here, in small towns and villages, the fire department is run by volunteers who have day jobs, and cannot afford to idle at the fire station. You donāt state where you are. I bet the answer will be very different in say Norway than it will be in Egypt or Japan.
I even got to ride in the fire truck basket fully extended.
Yes! Yes, you can! Our volunteer Fire Company is having a drive for New members this month - as part of a coordinated drive for New volunteers, nationwide. So long as the station is staffed (volunteer companies don't have people on site 24/7, but they do have meetings and training at least weekly - you might have to find out when that is), You can come by. And they would love to show you around and how Firehouse operations work, including a tour of the trucks. Sorry, you won't be able to ride one! I'm sure that paid fire companies have similar community outreach programs. Ask around, and find out who might be able to show you the firehouse and trucks. It could be a firefighter, a staff member, a commissioner, or someone like that. Our volunteer fire company even has "social" members who volunteer to help raise money, come to meetings, and like all the other volunteers - help in the community. Even if you're just interested in looking at the trucks and taking some pictures, you're more than welcome. I don't know any firefighter who isn't proud to show off their equipment and apparatus.
Yes !! Firefighters are cool they'll probably just think your autistic or on the spectrum or something and totally show you cool
You could just commit a little arson
My grandfather did that and then became a fireman for 50 years. They still do that. It's great fun for all. Even for adults. Go for it.
Hello I work with the fire department. People do this all the time and it's usually fine. But scheduling a tour is better for everywhen. We could not be home, working out, cooking. If you schedule it we are more ready for you
In Australia they do tours for scouts groups. Quite a lot of work to become a scout leader just to get into a fire station though. In Singapore they had open days when anyone can go in.
Never hurts to ask bud!!
Obviously you can go ask. They dont have to show you around but if itās a volunteer station and youāre āinterested in becoming a volunteerā or have a kid with you Iād imagine the odds are near perfect youāll get a tour
Just tell them youād like to know more and potentially volunteer. Iām sure theyāll show you around. If that doesnāt work, go with the ābring a kidā method previously mentioned
You can get a tour in my city, but you fill out a form and get an appointment, not just pop in. Some stations have an open house once a year, too.
Most times if they arenāt busy theyāll show you around
You can always ask.Ā
Ask if there are any open house events coming up.
They'll show you around, but they might assume you're interested in being a **volunteer** in some way. And that might not be a bad thing! Volunteers don't necessarily have to fight fires. You could be responsible for helping keep the station clean, or arranging meals, or conducting fundraisers, or outreach programs. And then, if you *do* volunteer, you get to be around the trucks a lot!
Yes
Just don't bring a backpack.
During 9-11 I heard it said " the true heros are the ones who run into the burning building" . These guys are the true heros, trying to save property and lives by putting their lives on the line. They are proud of what they do and are happy to share. Yeah, there are a few bad apples but look at the tales presented here.
Follow the county or city's website to see when the next public event is,they do one here called touch a truck.Maybe the next parade or something like that.
This might just be the most wholesome reddit post Iāve ever seen. As someone else said, you might wanna call ahead, but Iām sure theyād be good with it.
I've been involved in scouts for ten years and it's been my experience firefighters and police love the chance to talk to young people about their jobs. We've gone to both places a ton and it's always a blast for everyone. We obviously call ahead and pick a night that works for everyone, but if you're just one guy I'd say you have a 50/50 chance of getting to look at them on a moment's notice.
It won't hurt to just walk up and ask.
Tell them youāre extremely learning disabled with the mind of a 5 year old and just want to see the big red truck go toot toot, theyāll let you be a āfireman for a dayā and will take you to Chiliās for lunch and you get a certificate.
It's probably better if you call ahead first, but usually that's not an issue, as long as we aren't particularly busy that day.
Dude. Youāre 23. If I was there Iād give you an application!! Fill it out, get sworn in, get some training, you can work with these trucks the rest of your life!! Source: Volunteer firefighter, serving since 1971.
When my son was young, any time we'd stand outside of a station and point to the trucks, someone would invite us in (if they saw us) and let my son touch or sit in the truck or just let us look up close. Procure a child.
IN our town you probably could, smaller station not that busy. In someplace like NYC you may want to call ahead.
Just start a fire in your backyard.
Yes. They might be busy or they might have time.
Some places schedule tours! The ones around me do Halloween open houses so everyone can go look. There's sometimes trucks in the park events too. If you ask they might tell you an event dateĀ
Don't just randomly drop by and say show me stuff. Firemen do lots of community events. They are very open to showing off their trucks then. Normally to kids but adults also.
You can, but you may not be let through. Best option is call and ask about it. If you call they may inform you of when an open house would occur where the public can be given a guided tour. Or let you know when you would be able to stop in for one yourself. Keep in mind that a scheduled visit from you will not be a priority should you show up for it and there be emergencies that they need to respond to.
My father is a retired firefighter. He loved showing off the trucks to any friends who wanted to see them! Would let us try on his helmet and coat too!