Marion Fire Dept. Does it All (Even Crawls on Kindergarten Classroom Floors) to Teach Safety

When they aren't making the community safer by fighting fires, the Marion Fire Department can be found demonstrating the importance of home sprinkler systems, teaching how to use a fire extinguisher or even crawling on floors of kindergartens, preschool and daycares to teach children what to expect if a fire fighter is trying to rescue them. 

Fire prevention and safety is part of the mission, according to a promotional piece about the Marion Fire Department from Grinnell Mutual. The firm was recognizing Marion - its 2012 Life Safety Achievement Award - as part of raising awareness that the application period for the award is open. 

“We push to expand our fire prevention program because we strongly believe it lessens the risk for fire deaths in our city,” said Captain and Deputy Fire Marshal Wade Markley said in a video put out by Grinnell Mutual. “I think it’s very important to target children in the safety program because they are the future of tomorrow. If we get them on board practicing safety procedures, that’s going to carry through life.”