By Marisa Dawson, Photos by Krisy Byers & Marisa Dawson
There may not be a community pool or splash pad in Bennington, but for one afternoon each summer, a fire hydrant becomes the town’s favorite place to cool off.
Dozens of families gathered at Bennington Elementary School on Friday, July 10, as Bennington Fire & Rescue hosted the first of three hydrant parties planned for the summer. Children laughed as firefighters sprayed water from a fire hydrant across the parking lot while families enjoyed a welcome break from the summer heat.
This year’s event included a new addition: free ice cream from Carousel’s Icery, courtesy of the Bennington Firefighters Memorial Foundation.
While the event is a favorite among local families, Fire Chief Dan Mallory said the hydrant parties have become an important way for the department to strengthen relationships with the community outside of emergency situations. They also provide kids with a unique opportunity to cool off during the summer, especially in a community without a public pool or splash pad.
“These events show our continued commitment to the community and events like this give the public an opportunity to meet the firefighters who serve the Bennington community,” Mallory said.
The informal atmosphere gives kids a chance to interact with firefighters in a fun, relaxed setting, something Chief Mallory believes can have a lasting impact if they ever find themselves needing help during an emergency.
“We want the public, and especially the children to be comfortable approaching a firefighter if they should ever need assistance,” he said.
Despite a busy summer schedule filled with training, emergency calls and public appearances, Mallory said the department intentionally makes time for community events because they help build trust with residents. Whether it’s hydrant parties, parades or neighborhood block parties, he said those interactions are an important part of the department’s mission.
As he looked around Friday’s event, Mallory said the children’s excitement made the effort worthwhile.
“We can tell they all look forward to these days and the countless smiles on their faces remind us why we do these events for the public,” he said.
This year’s hydrant parties are even sweeter thanks to a community engagement grant that allowed the Bennington Firefighters Memorial Foundation to bring Carousel’s Icery to the first two events.
Foundation President Nichol Johnson said the grant was specifically intended to encourage community engagement, making the hydrant parties a perfect fit.
“I think it’s always great to see the crew interact with kids!” Johnson said. “One of the most impactful things the crews can do is to let the kids see them in public so if the kid ever needs help they have a familiar face coming to help them!”
Mallory said the Walter Scott Foundation grant made the expanded experience possible, while the Firefighters Memorial Foundation played a key role in managing the funding and helping coordinate the events.
“It’s partnerships like this that not only make our department strong, but it benefits the entire community,” Mallory said.
The final hydrant party of the summer will be held Friday, July 31, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Bennington Elementary School. Families are encouraged to bring swimsuits, towels and sunscreen for one more opportunity to cool off with Bennington Fire & Rescue before summer comes to a close.
