COEUR d’ALENE — Even as the sound of children laughing filled the air Saturday at Coeur d’Alene Fire Station 3, local first responders and community members felt a weight that became heavier at this time of year.

Long ago, the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department hosted its annual open house in October, to align with Fire Prevention Month. But ever since the 9/11 attacks, the event has shifted back, close to that unforgettable date.

“We wanted to bring back that Sept. 12 feeling of gathering a community and appreciating first responders,” said Deputy Fire Marshal Craig Etherton.

That spirit was in the air Saturday, as hundreds of people, most of them families with children, gathered at the fire station near Cherry Hill Park.

The public, particularly children, had a chance to meet the first responders who live and work in their community. Etherton said the open house also gives taxpayers a glimpse into how their money is put to use.

“We want them to be able to see what they’re buying,” he said.

Many times, people don’t come into contact with firefighters or EMS unless tragedy has occurred. Mingling with first responders on a sunny, late summer day sets a different tone.

“It gives us an opportunity to not meet people on their worst day,” Etherton said.

Kids waited eagerly in long lines to take a turn sliding down a miniature firefighter’s pole, dragging a dummy to safety and putting out faux flames.

“We’re trying to give them an appreciation for the folks who keep us safe,” Hayden resident Jon Bott said after his 8-year-old son, Jeremy, had a chance to use a real fire hose with the help of a Coeur d’Alene firefighter.

“They’re heroes,” said the boy’s mom, Marti Bott.

For Shelby Thompson and her 3-year-old son, Mason, the open house was a chance to get up close and personal with people he admires. Mason even got to sit in the driver’s seat of a fire engine.

“He loves fire trucks and police officers,” Thompson said.

Folks also gathered around a dunk tank, where kids took turns hurling baseballs to send firefighters — and Coeur d’Alene City Council member Dan Gookin — into the drink.

Gookin was all smiles after he climbed out of the tank, soaking wet. When asked to volunteer at the open house, he said it was a no-brainer.

“Firefighters support me and I support them,” he said.

Near the fire station, Coeur d’Alene Police Sgt. Jared Reneau oversaw kids as they toured the inside of an armored vehicle used by SWAT. Coeur d’Alene Fire invited their police counterparts to the open house.

“It’s an opportunity for us to interact in a positive way with kids,” Reneau said. “It’s a good time and hopefully it creates a positive lasting impression.”

Etherton said Saturday’s open house was shaping up to be the most successful in 20 years.

“We might run out of hot dogs,” he said with a smile.

9/11 Memorial Ceremony today in Coeur d'Alene

Citizens are invited to a 9/11 memorial ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Silver Lake Mall in Coeur d’Alene.

Hosted by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with Black Sheep Sporting Goods, the ceremony is in remembrance of those in service who were lost that day.

“As we move forward as a country, we will never forget their sacrifices and continue to honor them,” said Sheriff Bob Norris in a press release announcing the event.

Those who are in uniformed service are encouraged to dress for the event, which is free and open to all.