Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
Youngsters and staff from Parkside Preschool took full advantage of the beautiful weather Wednesday morning, to take a stroll over to the Merrill Fire Department for a tour of the two-year old facility, as well as get a “hands on’ look at the many apparatus and fire fighting equipment the department utilizes.
According to Parkside Director Paula Koelsch, interaction with the fire department has been an emphasis for several years, in observance of October being Fire Prevention Month.
“We make a point of scheduling activities with the Merrill Fire Department every year,” she explains.
“Whether it be fire fighters visiting our school to meet with the children. or taking a field trip like we did on Wednesday, we feel it’s very important for the children to learn about fire safety. The children really enjoy the interaction as well.”
Wednesday’s trip was just one of many field trips Parkside children take periodically. Other activities have included field trips to the splash pad in Wausau during the summer months, as well as local pumpkin and apple orchards and area dairy farms.
As Merrill Fire Department Batalion Chief Mike Drury adds, the field trip was beneficial for the department as well.
“We enjoy having visitors stopping in to tour the station. Since we opened the new station, we have had people of all ages come in to have a look. We have had many community groups stop in along with school kids of different ages. We have even had some visitors come in from out of town. We enjoy showcasing the facility and the many historical artifacts which we have preserved over the years. This isn’t just our station, it’s also the community’s fire station.”
Those interested in scheduling a tour of the Merrill Fire Station are asked to contact the department at (715) 536-2233.