From Leigh:  Today, our group visited the Snoqualmie Fire Station.  They were very accommodating with young children, and the kids had a fabulous time!

This is the stained glass window in the lobby of the station...(our state (county?) require 1% tax dollars to go to public art.  I like this one.)

There are two levels to the station.  On the lower level, the lobby, meeting rooms, administrative offices, and the workout room...

Awww, we wanted to slide down the fire pole!!  Nope.  Washington state does not allow fire poles, so the stairs will have to do...

Upstairs, we sat in a big, open room, where firefigther West gave a talk on fire safety...

The kitchen off the main room.  Note that there are three refrigerators.  This is because there are three shifts and food turns up missing, so each shift has their own fridge.  The kids loved the little firetruck above the cabinets that have little firemen M&M's in them.

One of the five private bedrooms in the station.  No more dorm style sleeping.  Washington state requires private rooms and private bathrooms for their firefighters.

Showing us the North Bend maps...

Cool!  On to the rigs!!!

Jaws of Life...

Touring the cab of the truck...

The ambulance...

The gear room...

Firefighter Dillon suited up for us.  He explained each item before putting it on and also explained in detail how his looks and voice would change once he was in full gear.  He told them that if they saw him in their room like this that they do not need to be afraid because he would be there to help.  He then encouraged them to come up and touch his gear and get a good look up close.  Pretty soon, the kids were having fun bopping him on the head!

Group shots!

They handed out helmets and an activity bag for the kids.  As we left, they ran the siren for us.

The building for drills...

A picnic lunch and play at the park followed.  It was a fun morning!  Thanks for organizing this, Kathy!