MARYSVILLE — The Marysville Fire District is promoting both seasonal festivities and winter safety with its lights.
Keeping the wreath green
“As we all know, fires can happen any time and any place, but during the holidays, they can seem even more tragic,” said Kristen Thorstenson, public education specialist and public information officer for the Marysville Fire District. “Since Dec. 1, as you drive by any of our fire stations, you’ll notice giant wreaths covered in green bulbs.”
Thorstenson explained that the wreaths and bulbs are part of the fire district’s annual “Keep the Wreath Green” program, under which green bulbs are changed to red whenever there is a structure fire within the fire district. The bulbs are changed to white whenever a firefighter anywhere in the United States dies in the line of duty.
The “Keep the Wreath Green” program runs through New Year’s Day, and is intended to remind those who pass fire stations in the Marysville area to keep this holiday season a safe one.
“Fire Prevention is an everyday event,” Thorstenson said. “Keep it in mind this holiday season.”
For more information about how to keep your family fire safe, log onto www.marysvillefiredistrict.org.
Lighting up
Marysville
“Have you ever wondered how the lights on the water tower, at Sixth Street and State Avenue, get there and stay maintained?” Thorstenson asked.
Thorstenson explained that, on Nov. 29, five members of the Marysville Fire District Technical Rescue Team, in partnership with the city of Marysville Parks and Recreation Department, braved the winter weather to climb the tower. Captains Chad Hale, Chip Kruse and Todd Furness, along with firefighters Matt Campbell and Ryan Swobody, spent most of the day changing light bulbs, in preparation for the lighting of the tower at the conclusion of the Merrysville Electric Lights Parade Dec. 6.
“Every year, members of the team donate time to replace bulbs that have been beaten by the weather the previous year,” Thorstenson said. “Although the focus is to make sure the lights are working, it’s also an opportunity for the team to practice its rope skills.”
