~ Springfield Fire Department and Discovery Center Partner to Create Interactive Fire Safety Exhibit

The Springfield Fire Department and the Discovery Center of Springfield have joined forces to create a new, interactive fire safety exhibit for the community. The idea for this collaboration was sparked during Leadership Springfield's Signature Class 46, where Discovery Center CEO Tyler Moles and Assistant Fire Chief Olan Morelan met and discussed their shared commitment to serving the community through education.

The result of their conversations is a brand-new exhibit located inside the Discovery Center, called Fire Station 3.14. This exhibit will allow children to step into a fire station and learn about fire safety while also exploring the science behind firefighting. The project was completed in just six months, with an ambitious deadline set for the end of September in time for National Fire Prevention Month.

The exhibit features a 1986 Pierce cab donated by local company Fire Master, who also repainted the cab and built a custom seat and training pump model. Other local businesses such as Ron's Custom Interiors, Finishing Touch Graphics, and B&I Tire also contributed to the project by reupholstering seats, adding custom striping and graphics, and donating new tires.

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Inside the exhibit, visitors can find a restored fire pole from the 1950s as well as an interactive area called "Get Low and Go" where children can practice crawling under smoke. A life-size firefighter figure, sculpted by a local artisan volunteer and outfitted with gear donated by Lion Fire Apparel and Sentinel Emergency Solutions, welcomes visitors into the exhibit.

This collaboration between two community staples has received overwhelming support from local businesses and organizations. The Missouri State University chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity donated $3,000 towards the project while Sunshine Brotherhood matched that donation with one of their own.

Fire Chief David Pennington expressed his gratitude for all those involved in making this project a reality. "What began as a simple conversation between two leaders has blossomed into a powerful example of what community collaboration can achieve," he said.

The Fire Safety Story Times, hosted by the Springfield Fire Department, will also take place at Station 3.14 inside the Discovery Center on the third Friday of each month. These story times will feature a fire safety message and aim to educate children about the importance of fire safety in a fun and engaging way.

The Springfield Fire Department and Discovery Center are proud to have created more than just an exhibit, but a place where families can learn, laugh, and leave with life-saving lessons. This partnership serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when organizations come together for the betterment of their community.

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