Finding a Fire Station in Greece

I would post your question on the Athens forum on Tripadvisor. One of the local experts could probably answer your question.

Thanks for the advice, I will try that

TA folks certainly will know, because many contributors there are actually Greek or Greece residents. Also, duh, why not just ask your hoteliers when u arrive at each place, and as you leave, of any they know along your route?

LOL - Thanks Janet, we will ask. (sometimes its the obvious that we don't think of, always trying to do things the hard way!)

Working with a hotel might be a good idea, they may be able to call and arrange something, or at least explain why you want to visit. Language may be an issue, while most involved with the tourist trade speak some english, I found government or public sector employees (Bus Drivers, Police, City Workers) to be the least likely to have english language skills.

Good point, thanks Paul!

not really a great answer, but my dad is a retired seattle firefighter. i travel to europe every year and he wants to see the firestations, apparatus, and firefighters. i ask at the hotel where the closest station is and why i want to go, and it is crazy how helpful they are. but once you are at the station, hold on. it is a brotherhood, family included. they will show you around, dress you up, and take pictures galore for and with you. this has been true for me in italy, france, and belgium. they love to know where you are from, what you or he does or did, and appreciate the consideration. what great memories for me, first hand, and my father through the pictures. thanks for your service. have fun, be safe.

Email the Greek National Tourism Office in New York (or call them)....can find all the info via Google. When we went to Greece last year, it was suggested to me that I contact them for detailed city maps (my husband's thing with maps), and they were oh so very helpful. As I think about it, it would probably be best to call them, that way you can sort of make a telephone connection to explain why this is important to you (your husband). We were very worried about potential strikes last year, and the young lady with whom I spoke, told me they kept an up-to-date schedule for planned (they all are there) strikes. You are such a dear to check into this for your hubby :) American Embassy is another thought, too. I'm sure the local firefighters will be flattered that someone cares about their station and them -- it will probably make their day (or their year).

Teri, I was also going to mention the Fire Station in Nafplio that Alan described, as it's very close to the main plaza and right on the main street. I walked past it one night on the way to dinner. They had a variety of apparatus parked on the street. My memory is not too clear but as I recall, facing away from the Bus station it was straight ahead a block or so, on the street to the right. Unfortunately, the Greek government prohibits Google Street View, as it may have been possible to show you the location. Happy travels!

Hi Teri, I'm retired from the fire dept here in San Diego County. Like your husband I like visiting the stations too. One thing I recommend is bringing along any fire dept related items you can give away, pens, pencils, lapel pins, stickers with a maltese cross, simpe things you can give as gifts, also photos of the apparatus at the station and the station itself, any photos of the crews in action, it's always interesting to see what others countries use and in action. I'm going to post this on the board too but just wanted to make sure you saw it. Have a safe trip.

Hi Teri, I'm retired from the fire dept here in San Diego County. Like your husband I like visiting the stations too. One thing I recommend is bringing along any fire dept related items you can give away, pens, pencils, lapel pins, stickers with a maltese cross, simpe things you can give as gifts, also photos of the apparatus at the station and the station itself, any photos of the crews in action, it's always interesting to see what others countries use and in action.

Teri The fire station in Nafplio is quite close to the bus station. 25th March Street 21100 NAFPLIO , ARGOLIDA , GREECE Tel.: +30 27520 27222 Cheers
Alan

I was thinking the same thing as Barry - anything to show how it's done in the USA, like photos of equipment; hats and t-shirts (t-shirts are dicey b/c of sizes, and hats can fill up a carry-on - LOL - but they're doable if it's not too much $$$ and he's not planning on visiting EVERY station!). Just something unique to your area... What a neat idea! That doesn't easily translate to every vocation - 'Hey, where can I possibly visit with some Greek accountants?", or "Can you show me the nearest French software architects?' LOL!

Thanks everyone I appreciate all the help! And will make some contacts as advised! :D We do plan to take some FF patches, trading cards to pass out - even the boys here like trading these as well as tshirts! You are all a great community to be so responsive & helpful! Teri

My husband and I just returned from a two week ferry trip along the coast of Norway. Our son is a firefighter, and in every decent sized town, we sought out the local fire department. Just knocked on the door, no advance notice, and showed them a picture (on my iPhone) of our son in his turnouts and told them that our son was a firefighter in California. I asked if we could purchase a patch from their department. Not only did we come home with patches, but pens, t-shirts, flags, and in one case, a regulation uniform shirt! Not one house let us pay for anything, donate to their coffee fund, or make a donation to the town. In the words of a firefighter from Boda, "Firemen never take money." So, don't worry about making a reservation or special notice. Just show up. They will be happy to see you and talk about what they do and what you do and how they are the same and how they differ.

We, too, watch for fire stations. In some countries, while very interested and welcoming - they have not allowed photos of their apparatus - they are government buildings and in some places it is not allowed (also train stations, embassies, etc). Have fun.

Thank you Ellen & Karen, I appreciate your responses. Ellen a few years ago in Melk Austria, we stumbled by a FD and kept watching it when we would be by, on our last day there the doors were open so we walked up and it was such fun. Definitely like finding lost family. We were able to take pictures and they took ours by one of their trucks. We plan to keep our eyes open and ask at hotels we are staying at while in Greece. Thanks