Norwalk Fire Department Training Lieutenant Austin Lancaster (left) and Fire Marshal and Deputy Chief Jeremy Cross (right)

The Norwalk Fire Department continues to connect with residents through a variety of public events designed to promote safety and build relationships within the community.

Department officials say events throughout the year provide opportunities for residents to learn more about fire prevention, meet firefighters, and see emergency equipment up close. Among the most popular events are the department’s annual pancake breakfast, fire prevention open house, and Santa Day celebration. Norwalk Training Lieutenant Austin Lancaster tells KNIA News these events serve multiple purposes.

“I think those events are important to build a relationship with the public. They should trust us; they can come in, see what their tax money is going to, check out the trucks and the gear, and hopefully learn something while they’re here as well.”

While Santa Day and the pancake breakfast are centered more around relationship building, the fire prevention open house mainly focuses on educating residents of all ages, especially children and older adults, about fire safety and prevention practices. Department leaders say outreach events also give residents a better understanding of the department’s role and help strengthen trust between firefighters and the community they serve.

Norwalk Fire Department encourages residents to attend future public events and take advantage of opportunities to learn more about fire safety and emergency response.

The full Special Edition Public Safety interview with Norwalk Fire’s Training Lieutenant Austin Lancaster and Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Jeremy Cross can be heard below: