FDIC attendees have an open invitation to attend what has come to be a coveted FDIC social experience-the Indianapolis Metropolitan Firefighters Local 416 Annual Open House. This year, it will take place on Friday, April 12. Guests will be transported by buses that will leave from the Convention Center.
Just how much this event has grown in popularity among FDIC participants can be seen from the quantities of refreshments prepared and consumed. “We began with an Open House for which we had prepared food for about 300 to 400 people,” explains Bill Burkhard, treasurer, Local 416 treasurer. “Within four years,” he adds, “this has grown to cooking and serving nearly 3,000 people. Last year during the Open House, we cooked and served more than 2,000 burgers, 800 bratwurst, and 600 hot dogs, along with the chips, baked beans, and literally hundreds of pounds of condiments.”
This year, Burkhard says, he is looking forward to a much larger crowd.
Noting that the tremendous “loss of brothers and sisters on September 11,” will be prominent in the minds of all present, Burkhard says the evening will afford opportunities to share fellowship; relaxation; and, of course, a remembrance of the lost heroes from the devastating and tragic events of September 11.
History Of Facility
In addition, visitors will get a taste of local history as they tour the local’s headquarters, one of the original four fire stations occupied by the City of Indianapolis Fire Department. According to Burkhard, the local purchased the stable building next door and incorporated a skylight that connects the two buildings. The Firefighters Museum and Survive Alive are housed in the museum.
On display are a 1921 Stutz ladder truck (originally built in Indianapolis and in service at Station 21) as well as several other apparatus that had been donated. They include a steam pumper, hand-operated pumpers, and many smaller units. In an effort to preserve the museum’s integrity so that it will be an authentic replica of its early days of use several decades ago, it was modeled according to photos and written documents that survived over time.
The facility is also home to the department’s “Survive Alive” program center. Last year alone, more than 20,000 second- and third-graders will instructed in this “learn not to burn” curriculum. The center is staffed with Indianapolis Fire Department personnel. For additional information, contact Burkhard at (317) 262-5161, or by e-mail: 1416treasurer@iquest.net
For more information on FDIC 2002, click HERE.
