A day inside Cape Coral Fire Station 4

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — We know what firefighters are called to do: put out fires and respond when people need help. But what happens when there isn’t an emergency?

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At Cape Coral Fire Station 4, the work doesn’t stop.

Firefighters work 24-hour shifts, and their day starts with a shift change at 7:30 a.m. Once the new crew arrives, one of the first things they do is check the engine and all of their equipment.

That means going through everything they could need during a call, from hoses and portable air supplies to equipment used for medical emergencies and rescues, including situations where someone may be trapped in a vehicle or even a canal.

The crew also makes sure the fire truck is clean and ready to go.

For Lieutenant Steve Hernden, taking care of the truck is part of taking pride in the job.

“We do this for the city. We want our truck to look good so the people can be proud,” Hernden said.

Firefighters also spend time working out during their shifts, but their workouts go beyond simply staying in shape.

They train to be able to carry and move people during emergencies and practice the techniques they may need when someone’s life is on the line.

And after spending 24 hours together, the crew has another important part of their routine: eating together.

Firefighters at Station 4 cook two meals during their shifts, with everything from crockpot meals to smash burgers making an appearance.

But Hernden said the meals are about more than what's on the plate.

“Every three days these guys are your family. So we make it a point to eat together. It’s not necessarily about the food, but it’s about the brotherhood and the bond,” Hernden said.

That bond is an important part of life inside the fire station, where firefighters work, train, eat and respond to calls side by side for an entire 24-hour shift.

You can also meet some of Cape Coral’s firefighters during an upcoming Fire Prevention Week event.

The Cape Coral Fire Department is kicking off Fire Prevention Week at Chick-fil-A on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Families can meet Sparky the Fire Dog, play Fire Safety Bingo and learn important fire safety tips, including how to safely use and charge lithium-ion batteries.

The event will be held at Chick-fil-A at 1790 NE Pine Island Road in Cape Coral.

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