SPFD to celebrate Fire Prevention Month with open house, kid’s prizes

By Brandi Makuski

The Stevens Point Fire Department is set to host an open house on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in recognition of Fire Prevention Month.

The event will include station and apparatus tours, safety information, storytime, and a special appearance by Sparky, the fire safety mascot.

An award ceremony is scheduled for noon to honor the winners of a city-wide contest aimed at promoting fire safety among children. The event, organized in part by Division Chief Terence Sinner, includes a coloring contest for kindergarten through second graders and an essay competition for third through fifth graders, focusing on the importance of smoke detectors in the home.

Winners of the contest will be awarded bicycles, donated by the Hostel Shoppe, valued at $200-$250 each, with a total of six bikes available—one for each grade level. The Hostel Shoppe, along with Culver’s and Kwik Trip, has also contributed additional prizes, including a year’s supply of custard and gift cards for food and drinks.

Sinner expressed his enthusiasm for the event.

“The open house is not just a chance to educate the public on fire safety, but also to give back to the community. The response from local businesses has been overwhelming, and we’re excited to make this year’s event a big success,” he said.

The open house will feature a cookout with proceeds benefiting the Stevens Point Firefighters Charitable Foundation, which supports various community initiatives.

Jessie Bostic, marketing manager for Hostel Shoppe, highlighted the importance of fire safety education, noting how impactful such lessons have been for her own children.

“Our neighbors had their house destroyed by a fire a few years ago, so this cause really hits close to home. We’re thrilled to be involved and help educate families about fire safety,” Bostic said.

The Stevens Point Fire Department invites the public to attend the open house and celebrate Fire Prevention Month while supporting community safety efforts.