Robbinsdale Public Safety Open House is Saturday, August 10
This year’s Robbinsdale Public Safety Open House is Saturday, August 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the police and fire department on the corner of Hubbard Avenue North and 41st Avenue North.
“It really gets community out, they’re excited for it,” said one of the coordinators, Firefighter Jesse Hoekstra. “I run into people all summer long, leading up to it and they’re interested in the fire station and I say, ‘Hey, come to the open house! It’s August 10 this year!’ and they say ‘It’s already on the calendar!’”
The event will feature Robbinsdale police officers and firefighters showing off equipment, giving demonstrations–including controlled burns and vehicle extrications–alongside Hennepin County and North Memorial Health crews, including the helicopter-based medic crew (if schedule and call demand allows).
“Most people meet us and it’s a really bad day for them, and this is a chance for it not to be that situation for them,” said Hoekstra. “It’s not scary or whatnot and they can get to see the vehicles, the trucks, and get to know us as people versus just the people who show up in gear in bad situations.”
There will be antique fire engines on display, and police and sheriffs deputies will have go-carts available for drivers to use while wearing so-called “drunk goggles” that impair their vision and response time. The Hennepin Co. Sheriff’s Office dive team will have its boat on display, and the Lions club will provide food.
The event is also a major fundraiser for the Robbinsdale Fire Relief Association, which provides money and support after firefighter deaths and provides funding for public engagement and education initiatives, including the open house.