GFD open house set for Wednesday

Greencastle Elks Exalted Ruler Donnie Irwin (center) presents some of the items the lodge has provided to the Greencastle Fire Department for its 4-7 p.m. open house Wednesday at the firehouse, 107 S. Indiana St. Fire Chief Bill Newgent and Pam Pierce, deputy city clerk and fire department reserve, accept the Elks' donation. (Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE)

The Greencastle Fire Department will host its 12th annual open house Wednesday at the fire station at 107 S. Indiana St.

Today's 4-7 p.m. open house will feature the department's Smoke House, a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog, tours of the station and an opportunity to check out the GFD firefighting apparatus.

Refreshments will be available, once again thanks to generous donations from the Greencastle Elks Lodge, which has furnished hotdogs, chips, condiments, plates and napkins for the annual event.

In addition, coloring and poster contest winners from the various local schools will be announced at the open house.

Fire Chief Bill Newgent said the open house is the department's traditional kickoff to Fire Prevention Month each October.

GFD personnel and fire units will be visiting local schools throughout the month, offering fire prevention presentations to schools and other groups.