Spokane Valley Fire Department celebrates 75 years

OTIS ORCHARDS, Wash. — The Spokane Valley Fire Department celebrated 75 years of service with a day of free family fun at Otis Orchards Station 4.

Many families checked out their Open House on Saturday afternoon.

“The kids can get involved and get up close and personal and see what they do behind the scenes,” said Brenda Baetty, who brought her son, Jocavie to the event. 

“I like riding on the fire engines,” the younger Baetty said.

Kids can try on firefighter gear, tour the trucks, get their blood pressure taken and even see the sewing room, where trained firefighters repair “bunkers” worn to respond to all types of emergencies.

They can also learn how to properly install smoke alarms.
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“We like to give them a chance to see what happens here. It’s great way to have a conversation about fire safety,” says Melanie Rose, SVFD community affairs officer.
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Organizers are also taking donations for Angel Fiorini, the mother who rescued three of her children from their burning Otis Orchards home on October 28th.
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“She is from this area. This station, this is the first run area for where she lives. Station 4 serves her family and it just seems like great way to give back to her family,” Rose said.
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“I think whenever we can help one another, it is a great blessing. We care about each other and help each other,” says Crystal Wiberg, who attended the event.
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A benefit concert for the Fiorini family was held on Saturday evening at the Roadhouse in Spokane Valley. Family members are hoping to raise enough money to build the Fiorini’s a new home.