Graham Jaehnig/DMG Some of the several trucks of the department parked in front of the department hall on Sunshine Road, in Coburntown.

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP — The Quincy-Franklin-Hancock Townships Volunteer Fire Department conducted an Open House on Thursday evening, at the fire hall on Sunshine Road, which members said is intended to become an annual event.

“We just wanted to let people come in and see what their what their tax money is doing, what kind of equipment we have, what all of our new gear is like and what these things cost, and meet the members, and teach some kids when they come in here don’t be afraid when you see somebody coming in with all this gear on and a mask; we’re here to help you,” said department member Jim Tapini.

“We run the trucks so they can see what that’s about, and let the kids even do it with the small hoses and low water pressure.

Department Chief Dan Dulong said another reason for the open house was to recruit new members.

“We’re looking for members,” he said, “young guys — and gals — we’re looking for everybody. We also do first responders, so we’re looking for people to do that.

“maybe you don’t want to be a firefighter, but you can volunteer for other things.”

Dulong said the department has an open roster right now, meaning there is no cap currently on how many people can apply.

“We’ve got some people who, because of jobs ar leaving, or they’ve retired and are moving away,” Dulong explained.

Michael Lorence, firefighter, First Responder and one of the three-member EMS unit, said that for the department’s first open house, the response was good, about 60 visitors, he said, adding they are hoping it will gain momentum.

“Most people don’t know we’re running an EMS unit out of our hall now,” Lorence said. “So, a lot of our township people are like ‘Oh, that’s great,’ and a lot of people we’ve responded to are very, very grateful.”

Mercy (Ambulance) likes it, too, because we assist them,” he said. “We get on-scene before they do and we’re an extension of them so to speak.”

Lorence said the EMS has been operative for a little more than a year and averages a call per week. However, because there are only three members of the EMS team, the department is seeking applicants for more.

“We’re looking for more members,” said Lorence. “Right now, three of us are handling that, but we run 24/7, 365, and if we’re available, we go. And if we’re not, we don’t.”

The calls range from minor responses to major life-saving calls.

“It’s been from ‘I have a little boo-boo on my finger to full-out CPR kind of thing, I mean, you just never know. And with an aging population, a lot of people are falling down or having trouble breathing.”

The Quincy-Franklin-Hancock Township Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency response services to the three-township area and surrounding community. The Fire Department’s mission is to prevent the loss of life and property. In addition to responding to fires, the department also responds to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, rescue calls, and incidents involving hazardous materials.

Anyone wanting to get involved, apply for membership or to ask for further information can:

call the station at 1(906) 482-1187 and leave a message for Chief Dan Dulong;

email inquiries to QTF.Twps.fd@gmail.com;

or leave a Private message on the department’s Facebook page.