SUNDERLAND — To mark 90 years of neighbors serving neighbors, the Fire Department is welcoming the community to its station for a birthday celebration.

On Saturday, May 6 from 3 to 9 p.m., people can stop by the Public Safety Complex at 105 River Road for family-friendly events and activities to celebrate the long history of the Sunderland Fire Department, which was established in 1933. The event is free and open to the public.

“It’s going to be a great way to meet their neighbors who have been serving them recently,” said Deputy Chief Michael Zeoli, noting that it’s also a chance for adults to see what their tax money has been going to. “I think [people] can expect a really good time.”

Numerous events are planned for the afternoon and evening, including touch-a-truck, a kids’ firefighter challenge, a firefighter chili cook-off, historical gear displays, a visit from Smokey Bear, story time and safety demonstrations. Firefighters will be grilling hot dogs and serving chips, along with birthday cupcakes, free of charge. The event will close with a bonfire.

The Fire Department will also be showing off the first official fire truck it ever purchased, a 1925 REO, alongside its Humvee, which has been given a fresh coat of paint courtesy of Franklin County Technical School students.

Additionally, people will have a chance to vote on the name of the department’s newest fire engine. Sunderland Elementary School students submitted names for consideration and the public will get a chance to vote on the names on Saturday.

“I’m excited about the naming of our newest fire truck,” said Zeoli, a Sunderland firefighter of 21 years. “We’re going to letter the truck right there.”

The Sunderland Fire Department regularly hosts community events and fundraisers, such as its boot drive, flower sale and annual Fire Prevention Week open houses, but birthday parties are always a special occasion.

“It was exciting to realize how old we were,” Zeoli said, adding that the 100th birthday bash is now just 10 years away. “I’m already looking forward to that.”

Updates will be posted on the Sunderland Fire Department’s Facebook page and on its website at sunderlandfire.com.

 

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