Community fired up over Lakeville station open house
Lt. Roy Morse helps his daughter McKenna Morse, 4, try out the fire hose. Photos by Sandy Quadros Bowles 
Sawyer Jouett, 5, plays cornhole. 
Jerry Paul, left, and Greg Bradstreet collected donations to "fill the boot'' to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 
Helena Larkin, 9, with her aunt Robin Bellows and Chewy the dog. 
Cole Spano, 8, greets Sparky the Fire Dog. 
Jeff and Korrin Bonda and their daughter Violet, 2.
Firefighter paramedic Dick Velez scoops up some popcorn. 
Drew McCabe, husband of Lakeville firefighter Megan McCabe, with Okoye.
Lt. Roy Morse helps his daughter McKenna Morse, 4, try out the fire hose. Photos by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Sawyer Jouett, 5, plays cornhole.
Jerry Paul, left, and Greg Bradstreet collected donations to "fill the boot'' to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Helena Larkin, 9, with her aunt Robin Bellows and Chewy the dog.
Cole Spano, 8, greets Sparky the Fire Dog.
Jeff and Korrin Bonda and their daughter Violet, 2.
Firefighter paramedic Dick Velez scoops up some popcorn.
Drew McCabe, husband of Lakeville firefighter Megan McCabe, with Okoye.
LAKEVILLE -- If all goes as planned, the open house held Oct. 10 at the Lakeville Fire Station will be the last one at that location.
The new fire station just down the road is slated to open in July 2027.
Under sunny skies of a perfect fall day, visitors made the most of this potential grand finale.
Children could try out fire hoses, play cornhole, munch on popcorn and visit with Sparky the Firedog while adults checked out the station and learned about fire safety, including the importance of smoke detectors.
Although he is off the job while recovering from cardiac issues, Fire Chief Michael O’Brien attended with his wife, Teresa, who he credited with being a great source of support during his medical challenges.
“I wanted to see everyone in action,’’ he said. “I’m really proud of the fact that the firefighters stepped up and displayed great leadership.’’
The department stepped up to organize the open house in addition to their daily workload, he said.
“I’m incredibly proud that I’m not as needed as I thought I’d be,’’ he said with a smile.
Jeff and Korrin Bonda and their daughter Violet, 2, recently moved to Lakeville and wanted to check out the event. “We figured she would love it,’’ he said.
Helena Larkin, 9, said she chose to visit the station because “it sounded fun and exciting.’’
Cole Spano, 8, attends every year. His favorite feature? One of the splashiest elements, the dunk tank.
