October is National Fire Prevention month, and Carroll Fire Chief, Greg Schreck, says the first full week really kicks off their initiative.
However, Schreck and his volunteer firefighters have already begun getting the youth in the area involved. They have invited pre-kindergarten students from Fairview Elementary to tour the station, about 60 this week and another 60 early next. Schreck says it is crucial to begin this type of education at a young age.
Thanks to Mallory Ramaekers and a group of local children who raised $750 through ice cream sales, the department was able to purchase fun, interactive learning tools.
Kids aren’t the only ones who like to take tours of fire stations. Firefighter, Brad Ruhnke, says they are going to open their doors to everyone to come in and see the equipment. They will also educate about the many different ways fires can be prevented and safety measures that can protect them in the event of a fire.
Schreck says that during the month of October, they are urging everyone to make sure that one of the most important pieces of equipment in their home is working and working correctly. Many people don’t think about their smoke detectors until the batteries go dead. However, they should be doing frequent tests. The firefighters will begin selling tickets to their annual fundraiser, the Fireman’s Dance on Saturday, Nov. 2. The tickets have been the same price for decades, $2, and the crew will be selling them downtown on Friday, Oct. 4 and will be going door-to-door beginning the following Monday. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets can also contact any firefighter or Schreck by calling 792-1000.
