East Pierce Fire & Rescue Unveils New Sign at South Prairie Station

East Pierce Fire and Rescue unveiled a new sign on the front of its South Prairie station during a ceremony Saturday attended by city officials, East Pierce personnel, a local Boy Scout Troop and numerous community members. A reception was held immediately following the ceremony in the bay of the fire station.

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the East Pierce Fire and Rescue Volunteer Firefighters’ Association and Boy Scout Luke Harlor, the new sign replaces one that was believed to have been created by Rainier School students more than 50 years ago. A portion of the original sign was saved and incorporated into the new design.

Originally the Association asked Harlor for help in refurbishing the wooden plaque that hung in front of the station. Harlor agreed to repair the sign as part of his Eagle Scout service project. However, once he inspected the sign further, it was clear that it needed to be replaced. So, the 16-year-old designed a new sign—cutting, sanding and painting the wood before assembling the finished product.

According to East Pierce Volunteer Firefighter Sara Arneson, the new sign took more than 100 hours to complete. Paint and wood was donated by the Bonney Lake Lowes and Home Depot stores.

Harlor will present his project for approval as part of his requirements for Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable among the Boy Scouts of America. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout spirit through an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads and manages. Only six percent of all Boy Scouts ever achieve the honor.

For Harlor, it runs in the family. His grandfather, who attended the ceremony Saturday, also reached the rank of Eagle Scout.

Information courtesy of East Pierce Fire & Rescue.