Central Crossing Fire holds Open House for community
Central Crossing Fire Chief Rusty Rickard brought out the department’s search and rescue dog, Litta, to meet members of the community and showcase all she does for the department. Pictured above are Rickard and Lita with Revor Gregg, 7, and Phillip Walker, 2.
October 15, 2014
Charlea Mills
For the third year, the Central Crossing Fire Department held an open house to showcase their equipment and educate the community. According to Fire Chief Rusty Rickard, the day was a bit slow because of the cool weather Saturday, but the event was still important.
He said, “The community doesn’t really know what all we have normally. We’ve got 26 trucks at the different stations, and really, this is their equipment because it is paid for by tax dollars.”
On Saturday, the department showcased many of the department’s trucks, their equipment, held a free smoke detector sign up, had free food, blood pressure checks and more. Rickard also brought out their search and rescue K9, Litta, to meet people educate the community on all that she is used for.
Litta, a two-year old Dutch Shepherd, has been with Central Crossing since she was 11 months old and replaced their previous dog, Diesel. Rickard shared that Litta his trained in tracking, trailing and drug detection. He said, “Unfortunately, there is more of a need for narcotics investigations than the search and rescue side, but its good for her and me to get out there and use our skills.” Litta’s been used in Barry, Stone and Lawrence counties in the past year.
Adults and children alike enjoyed getting to know Litta and pet her. Rickard said that the K9 program is not paid for with tax funding, but by private donations to help with her food, treats, veterinarian expenses and equipment used when she is working. Litta is also taken to various schools in the area for education purposes.
Rickard said that normally the department is able to bring out more of their equipment for demonstrations, but the weather complicated that this past weekend. In previous years, they have cut a car in half, done side-by-side burn demonstrations and more. Rickard said that the community isn’t usually aware of all that is at their disposal through their department.
“We like to do this as its a good opportunity to showcase our department to the community. We think its good for people to see what’s there and how their tax money is spent since it’s theirs. We can sit and talk, listen to their questions and concerns, and give them some information,” Rickard concluded.
For more information about the Central Crossing Fire Department or to donate to their K9 program, call (417) 858-3560.
Charlea Mills
For the third year, the Central Crossing Fire Department held an open house to showcase their equipment and educate the community. According to Fire Chief Rusty Rickard, the day was a bit slow because of the cool weather Saturday, but the event was still important.
He said, “The community doesn’t really know what all we have normally. We’ve got 26 trucks at the different stations, and really, this is their equipment because it is paid for by tax dollars.”
On Saturday, the department showcased many of the department’s trucks, their equipment, held a free smoke detector sign up, had free food, blood pressure checks and more. Rickard also brought out their search and rescue K9, Litta, to meet people educate the community on all that she is used for.
Litta, a two-year old Dutch Shepherd, has been with Central Crossing since she was 11 months old and replaced their previous dog, Diesel. Rickard shared that Litta his trained in tracking, trailing and drug detection. He said, “Unfortunately, there is more of a need for narcotics investigations than the search and rescue side, but its good for her and me to get out there and use our skills.” Litta’s been used in Barry, Stone and Lawrence counties in the past year.
Adults and children alike enjoyed getting to know Litta and pet her. Rickard said that the K9 program is not paid for with tax funding, but by private donations to help with her food, treats, veterinarian expenses and equipment used when she is working. Litta is also taken to various schools in the area for education purposes.
Rickard said that normally the department is able to bring out more of their equipment for demonstrations, but the weather complicated that this past weekend. In previous years, they have cut a car in half, done side-by-side burn demonstrations and more. Rickard said that the community isn’t usually aware of all that is at their disposal through their department.
“We like to do this as its a good opportunity to showcase our department to the community. We think its good for people to see what’s there and how their tax money is spent since it’s theirs. We can sit and talk, listen to their questions and concerns, and give them some information,” Rickard concluded.
For more information about the Central Crossing Fire Department or to donate to their K9 program, call (417) 858-3560.
