By Stephanie Irvine
More than 100 residents attended the Manhattan Fire Protection District’s Peotone Station 83 open house event Friday evening, signaling community growth and perhaps some acceptance post-consolidation.
MFPD planned the October 25 open house to showcase the completion of the renovation of the Peotone Fire Station and offer a chance to interact with the community.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore the inside of the entire fire station, from the day room and kitchen to the bunk rooms, where firefighters sleep and, of course, the garage where all the action was happening. Posters explained the purpose of each room.
“We’re excited to be able to do this,” Battalion Chief Bruce Boyle said. He was positioned inside the fire station to give tours, while explaining everything new, from the kitchen updates, new sprinkler system, updated and additional bunk rooms, and even the station layout itself.
“You know, the complexion of fire and EMS services in the Peotone area has changed dramatically, and we’re happy we’ve been able to adapt to it with things like full-time staffing, this station’s remodel, and much-needed fleet upgrades,” Boyle said.
The department set up tables and chairs in the garage so people could eat the plentiful goodies, including candy, cookies, hot dogs, and popcorn — a perfect bite to eat before heading to the Peotone Blue Devils home football game.
“It’s been a great turnout for the community — being able to tie it to the Peotone football game, bring everybody in from the community, and kind of show off what we were able to do with the remodel since the consolidation,” Deputy Chief Dave Piper said at the event.
“I think the kids are all having a lot of fun, getting some candy and decorating pumpkins. It’s gone really well,” Piper noted.
There was no shortage of things for the kids to do at the event, and several kids showed up in costume, like resident Tim Reylen’s two-year-old daughter, Robin, who dressed as a Dalmatian. MFPD staff commented how it was a delight to see the kids having fun and dressed up.
“I think it’s really cute. This is my first time coming here with my family. I lived here my whole life, but I never actually came to their open house. My son is really enjoying it,” Angela Wilcox said, while hoisting up her two-year-old daughter, Alise, to check out a fire engine.
The fire department’s fleet, including the ambulance, engine, and truck, were available for kids to climb in and explore.
“We just moved to town three years ago, so we’re trying to be more of the community. We just figured we would come and show our support. The kids are having a good time,” Peotone resident Cheyanne Ibarra said.
“I love it — I think it’s awesome,” Ibarra said of the event itself and the updated fire station. Ibarra brought her two daughters, Graelyn, age nine, and Moira, age three, who were having fun with the obstacle course.
Fire and Life Safety Educator Jackie O’Hara got a workout directing high-energy kids through the kids’ firefighter obstacle course. The course included carrying an oversized bear, chucking a piece of wood, and running to knock out wooden fires in a bean bag set-up.
“We’re new to the area, so it’s nice for the kids to meet other kids. This is a fun activity, and we were excited to see the new firehouse,” Amanda Tuma, Green Garden resident, remarked. She attended with her two boys, who thoroughly enjoyed the obstacle course, running through it several times each.
There was pumpkin decorating, a Bozo buckets-inspired game with firefighter helmets, coloring, and a football toss game. Smiling faces were abundant on the kids and even the adults, as they interacted with one another, explored the station, and looked around.
“The open house was a huge success, and I appreciate everyone who came out to see what the consolidation did for the Peotone community,” Fire Chief Steve Malone said after the event, noting the remarkable attendance.
“The fire service is ever-changing, and we have to adapt to stay current with today’s standards. The community outreach and support tonight proves how coming together can bring improvements on every level. We’ll continue to provide the best service possible to all residents,” Malone said.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.