“This gives us other avenues for everyone to meet the firefighters so that they don’t always see us on our worst days,” said Bethel Fire Chief Jacob King, who brought his own family out to enjoy the post-trick or Treat festivities, as did many other department members.
King said the party also allows his department to provide fire prevention materials and education on safe practices.
The Bethel Township Fire Association funded the party through donations, and breast cancer awareness t-shirts sold that evening helped offset the majority of the cost.
Kids enjoyed free popcorn, drinks, and candy, of course, as they mingled around the bays dressed as everything from sweet butterflies to ghastly goblins. A total of 58 people participated in the costume contest, along with many other activities including an obstacle course and children’s games. Winners of each age division in the costume contest received gift cards and baskets of candy.
Lt. Brian Halk of BTFD said that attendance at the party seemed a little low this year, and noted that he did not see as many children out trick or treating in his neighborhood either. Halk said he believes families in the neighborhood “come to expect” the department’s party each year as a way to extend their Halloween festivities in a safe environment.
Winners of the costume contest include:
Babies: Raelynn Frank
Age 2-4: Eliana Glover
Age 5-8: Malachi Stice
Age 9-12: Hailey Nischwitz
Age 13-15: Jordan O’Shea
Age 16+: Krista Williams
