The Open Day (Open Dag) celebration organized by the Aruba Fire Department not only brought joy to the thousands of visitors who attended the Tanki Leendert station, but also served as a moment of deep reflection for the personnel who wear the firefighter uniform today.
For many active firefighters, the Open Day is the exact spark that ignited their passion for the profession. Recalling his own childhood, Fransis Toussaint shared one of his fondest memories, which remains vivid to this day:
“I remember when I was small, my mother and father brought me two or three times to this Open Day event. Today, after 13 to 16 years, my dream has become a reality. If we can make a child’s dream come true today, that is why we do this for the children.”
Schedule of Activities for Firefighters’ Week
The Open Day marked the first major event of the festive week, which began earlier in the week and will continue with an intensive program for department personnel and their families:
- Tuesday (Team Building): A bowling night will take place from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM. This activity is designed to strengthen professional camaraderie, inviting colleagues from the Ambulance Service to join in the friendly atmosphere.
- Friday (Softball in Kudawecha): The week’s final sporting event will take place—a softball tournament at the Kudawecha field from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
The climax of the festivities will take place on the department’s primary commemorative dates:
- October 9 (Official Firefighters’ Day): An official ceremony featuring a priestly blessing will be held at the Tanki Leendert station (Tango). A special invitation has been extended to all active colleagues, former personnel, and retirees to attend this occasion of gratitude and honor.
- October 10 (Family Day): The celebration will conclude at Balashi Garden with a Family Day for personnel and their families—an evening featuring live music and entertainment in an exclusively family atmosphere for the extended Aruba Fire Department family.