WAYNE – Make plans to visit the Wayne Fire Hall celebrating their time in Wayne since the 1890’s.
On Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. go to 510 Tomar Drive to enjoy the afternoon with the family learning more about the history of the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department.
There were five to six members from the department who were a part of a committee to plan this event. Shawn Pearcy, who completed 21 years as a member, said the group has been working towards this weekend for the past couple years.
“But in terms of actively working towards it I would say it has been only in the last five months,” said Pearcy. “That we’ve had occasional planning meetings and organizational aspects of what to get and things of that sort.”
Some records show the fire department began in 1894 which would put them at 125 years, but reviewing documents with the city council, notes were also taken in 1889 dating 130 years back.
Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served by the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department to show their appreciation for the community in supporting them over the years. This is event is free for all to attend.
“We want to just invite people down, do tours of the fire hall and talk to the fire fighters,” Pearcy added. “We’re going to have some history of the fire station and fire department. This is our, we’ll call it 125ish anniversary.”
Most events will be held inside the Fire Hall with the exception of the truck rides weather permitting. There will also be activities for kids including a simulated way to put out fires.
“Where they have created fire extinguishers that shoot a laser at a simulated kind of a television fire,” Pearcy mentioned. “If you do it correctly, you actually can extinguish the fire.”
This activity came from the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Members of the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department would like to encourage the community members of Wayne to come out and celebrate this historic event.