Families attend fire department's safety fair

by Cori Hilsgen

news@thenewsleaders.com

Hundreds of people attended the Safety Fair Oct. 10 at St. Joseph Community Fire Hall. Many of them brought their families.

The event was popular with many area children. It included free hot dogs, popcorn, cookies, beverages and many other items for children.

Children played on an inflatable slide; checked out the inside of fire trucks, a police car, an ambulance; got fingerprinted and more.

Patricia Rueckert brought her children Dominique, 4, and Michaylah, 1. Because there were so many attendees, they decided to eat outside until it was less busy inside. Dominique and Michaylah were eating hot dogs and cookies.

“It’s great for kids,” Rueckert said. “We’re looking forward to getting back inside to enjoy some of the activities.”

Firefighter Sharon Rennie was busy distributing fire hats, beacon lights, batteries, coloring books, stickers, bracelets and more. Rennie has been with the department for three years.

“It’s a great family night for kids to get out,” Rennie said. “It’s nice to see we have this much support from the community for what we do. It’s always a fun day.”

She said between 300-400 people were expected to attend the event. Rennie said many people were asking about the helicopter that was scheduled to arrive at the fair. She said they had recently done a training drill with North Memorial Hospital.

Jennifer Schmitz attended the fair with her children Jakob, 8, and Jorden, 1. Jennifer’s father, Dave Theisen, is a former St. Joseph fire chief.

Jakob said he enjoyed going on the inflatable slide and was excited to see the “old” fire truck and the “big” fire truck that were on display. He also got fingerprinted for safety.

“It’s a good family fun event to teach the kids about fire prevention and safety,” Jennifer Schmitz said.

St. Joseph Police Reserve Officer Kris Haugen showed Dave and Grace Lemke’s children – Wyatt Lemke, 7, and Emmett Lemke, 2 – the inside of a police car.

“Its fun; the kids like it,” Haugen said.

St. Joseph Police Chief Joel Klein teased Jory Stenman, 1, about a cookie he was eating.

“It’s a wonderful community event that engages the community with all aspects of public safety,” Klein said.

Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner visited with attendees at the event.

“This is wonderful for kids and a great opportunity for parents to learn all about the fire department,” Sanner said. “The kids are having a blast.”

Rick and Melanie Klisch’s 2-year-old twin sons Gavin and Grant enjoyed checking out the inside of the “old” fire truck by climbing on the seat and turning the steering wheel.

Captain Dave Salzer, who has been with the department for nine years, was busy helping at the event.

“It’s great for the public to come and see everything we do,” Salzer said.

Julie Theis and Micale Gillson from Gold Cross Ambulance were busy showing children the inside of an ambulance. Theis said 20 children had climbed in the ambulance during the first 15 minutes they were at the event.

“We’re happy to be included and to see what a nice turnout it is coming to an event like this,” Gillson said.

Kelli Gauthier and her sister, Traci Pollreis, brought Lauren Schelske, 9, Leah Schelske, 5, and Logan Schelske, 2, to the fair. Gauthier said it was the first time they had attended the event.

“It’s been great,” Gauthier said. “The kids are having a blast. They loved climbing in all the equipment.”

At about 5 p.m. people began asking about the helicopter that was scheduled to arrive. Rumors began circulating it was 15 minutes away, then 30 minutes away, then 45 minutes away. The helicopter from North Memorial arrived in front of the garage doors at 6 p.m. and many attendees crowded around it.

photo by Cori Hilsgen
Rick and Melanie Klisch’s two-year old twin sons, Gavin and Grant, enjoy checking out the inside of the “old” fire truck.

photo by Dennis Dalman
Isabelle Neisen gets to sit in a police car at the St. Joseph Fire Department Open House Oct. 10. Neisen, 3, is the daughter of Tim and Kelly Neisen of St. Joseph.

photo by Tara Wiese
Left to right: Isla Bruns, 4, of St. Joseph, Kayla Wiese, 4, daughter of Tara Wiese, Newsleader employee, and Grace Boatz, 4, of St. Joseph appear as a blur from jumping so fast in the inflatables at the St. Joseph Fire Department open house on Oct. 10.

photo by Dennis Dalman
Haylee Peterson of Holdingford smiles, happy with the bagful of goodies she was given at the St. Joseph Fire Department’s Open House Oct. 10.

photo by Cori Hilsgen
Lacey Woltermann holds her 4-month-old daughter, Mallory, as her family explores the “old” fire truck.

photo by Cori Hilsgen
Julie Theis from Gold Cross Ambulance strapped in Lauren Schelske, 9, as her family observed the procedure.

photo by Cori Hilsgen
Jakob Schmitz, 8, studied a panel on the “big” fire truck at the safety fair.

photo by Cori Hilsgen
Jory Stenman, 1, is not interested in sharing his cookie with Police Chief Joel Klein. Jory is the son of Elijah and Kari Stenman.

photo by Cori Hilsgen
Jennifer Schmitz attended the safety fair with her children Jorden, 1, (front) and Jakob, 8. Jennifer’s father, Dave Theisen, is a former St. Joseph Fire Chief.

photo by Cori Hilsgen
Diane Muske holds her granddaughter Aubrey, 2, after placing a fire hat on her head. Aubrey is the daughter of Jeff and Christine Dockendorf.

photo by Cori Hilsgen
Patricia Rueckert sits with her children Michaylah,1, (front) and Dominique, 4, while they enjoy hot dogs and cookies at the safety fair.

photo by Cori Hilsgen
Cousins Carson Salzer,1, (left) and Sofia Salzer, 4, enjoyed checking out the safety fair. Carson is the son of Dave and Jenny Salzer and Sofia is the daughter of Jeff and Laura Salzer.