LAKEVILLE — Deputy Fire Chief Pamela Garant enjoyed seeing all the community members at the Lakeville Fire Department Open House held at the station Oct. 8.

But she was especially happy to see two-year-old Nathan Davey.

The last time she encountered him, the little boy had experienced two febrile seizures within 24 hours, requiring a visit to the hospital. After treatment, the boy has recovered and is “doing great,’’ his mother Meaghan Davey said.

Davey had nothing but praise for the department, who responded to the concerned parents’ call. “They were wonderful,’’ she said. “They were such a calming presence.’’ 

Garant beamed at the healthy, curious youngster. “We see people at their worst,’’ she said of medical calls. “To see them on a good day, smiling, it’s all the better.’’

Visitors to the station for the annual open house had the chance to try out the fire hoses, climb aboard some of the equipment, enjoy some food and dunk a firefighter in the dunk tank. 

The event also serves as a chance for the community to see the station and its equipment.

“I’m proud of the turnout,’’ Fire Chief Michael O’Brien said. “I’m proud of our firefighters who came out today. Being a firefighter is a lot to be proud of, and this is an opportunity for them to show the public what we do.’’

O’Brien also spent time chatting to visitors about his hopes for a new station. A feasibility study has called for a new station to be built at a separate location to accommodate space issues at the current station.

The open house gave visitors a chance to see the tight squeeze that trucks are required to make to fit into the bays. They could also walk through the building, which supporters of a new station say does not have adequate space to serve a growing community.

For the many children on hand, though, such adult concerns gave way to enthusiasm about exploring the station and enjoying the day.

Katline Smith knew her  three-year-old son, Owen Smith, would enjoy the festivities. “He loves fire trucks and fire stations,’’ she said. 

Garant spent a few moments with Madelynn Waite, 3, who has previously visited the station. Garant said the youngster has what it takes to be a firefighter.

During her previous tour of the station, the youngster “knew just what to do with the face mask’’ and was very comfortable in the setting, the deputy chief said.

“She makes the cutest little siren sounds,’’ she said with a smile. 

Bringing the community out for the open house is a special event, she said. “It’s always great to see the public come out and enjoy what we do,’’ she said.