Children climbed aboard fire engines and peeked into the quiet spaces where firefighters gather between calls as all four of Eden Prairie’s fire stations opened their doors Thursday, Aug. 7, for the city’s annual Neighborhood Night at the Fire Station.
At Fire Station 2, 12100 Sunnybrook Road, visitors explored everything from the weight room to the break room. Outside, firefighters helped kids try on gear, spray a fire hose, and settle into the driver’s seat of a fire truck.
The event also gave neighbors a chance to connect with the people who protect their community and learn more about fire safety.
For 3-year-old Marcus Gaba, it was the stuff of dreams – at least, that’s how his mother, Amy, described it. Wearing his firefighter costume, Marcus took in the flashing lights and gleaming engines alongside his 6-year-old sister, Aubrey. The family moved from Canada to Eden Prairie about a year ago.
Marcus’s fascination dates back to last Halloween, when he received his first firefighter outfit. “He couldn’t wait until October to wear it, so he started wearing it a couple of months early – we were worried it wouldn’t survive until Halloween,” Amy said in a Wednesday, Aug. 13, email. “Thankfully, it did, and he has continued to wear it almost daily at home.”
The family recently bought Marcus a new – and bigger – costume at Costco.
The admiration goes beyond the uniform. “He is drawn to firefighters because of the help they provide to others and the rescues they perform,” Amy said. At home, Marcus uses his Little Tikes Cozy Coupe as his “firetruck,” rescuing toys. Lately, he’s added police work to his imagination – wearing a police costume to the store “to help keep people safe.”
The night’s highlight was clear: “Spraying the fire hose – I think he did it three times,” Amy said. Marcus also lingered in the dorm area, curious about where firefighters sleep, and is already looking forward to the citywide open house this fall, when he hopes to ride in a fire truck again.
Comments
We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.