Jeff Osswald turned down a four-year scholarship to the Culinary Institute of America because he wanted to be a firefighter.

But he'll soon have the best of both worlds.

Osswald, a deputy chief at the Onset Fire Department, and his wife, Carolyn, who dispatches for the department, are opening the Firehouse Cafe just steps from the station at 239 Onset Ave.

"We've been around the fire department all our lives," said Carolyn, whose grandfather, Thomas Reidy, served as chief at the Wareham Fire Department. Jeff’s father, Bob Osswald, was also a firefighter.

The connection to the fire department is evident in more than just the name of the cafe. The inside pays homage to the profession.

"It's almost a museum," Jeff said as he excitedly pointed out a bucket used to put out fires during World War II, which folds up to fit into a backpack.

Jeff's father's first Onset Fire jacket, worn in the 1970s, hangs on one of the walls, with big letters spelling out "OSWALD."

Yes, it's missing an "s," due to a mishap. Jeff will tell you the story!

Antique fire-fighting equipment also hangs about the cafe. Lamps on the tables were made from old fire extinguishers. Most of the items are on loan from friends, Jeff said.

"And yes, we have noisy things that we won't tell the kids to pull!" Carolyn added with a smile as a bell attached to a pull-station rang out on Dec. 23, when the couple opened the shop for friends to get a sneak peek, and so carolers in Onset would have a place to meet and a hot cup of coffee before hitting the village to sing.

Jeff and Carolyn met while attending Upper Cape Tech. Both were in the culinary program, class of 1993.

"I've always wanted to do this," said Jeff. "When the Vic closed," he explained, referring to the nearby Victorian Cafe, which regulars affectionately referred to as the Vic before it closed earlier this fall, "the opportunity presented itself."

The Firehouse Cafe will serve Wicked Joe coffee, which is both fair trade and organic. Add shots of espresso for a one-alarm, two-alarm, or three-alarm drink, Carolyn said.

The menu will feature breakfast sandwiches, assorted pastries, muffins, and other light breakfast items. On the menu for lunch are club sandwiches, paninis, and cafe pizzas.

The sandwiches will be named for locals and loved ones.

"The Jessica," for example, is the favorite breakfast sandwich of the couple's 10-year-old daughter -- egg and cheese on a croissant.

Jessica, whose big smile will undoubtedly be a frequent sight at the shop, has been involved in all of the decision-making for the cafe.

"She's the assistant manager!" Jeff said.

She incorporated a play area for children, complete with a kid-sized table.

Bill Tatlow, who served on Onset Fire for more than 45 years, and his wife, Betsy, helped the couple revamp the former retail space into the cafe.

"I don't know how I'm going to repay him," Jeff said. "This wouldn't be possible without the help of friends."

Tatlow's firefighting gear now hangs on the wall, along with Mike Hodge's. Hodge completed much of the painting (in typical firefighting colors, of course -- red, gold, and white).

The Firehouse Cafe’s grand opening is scheduled for January 1.

Carolyn will serve up hot chocolate, free of charge, to the brave souls who participate in the Box 5 Association’s Polar Bear Dive into Onset Bay.

Daily hours will be 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We just hope it’s a place for people to come, make friends, and meet old ones,” Jeff said. “Like Cheers. Everybody knows your name.”