Families Flock to Fenton Firehouse

The Fenton Fire Department opens its doors to the public Saturday for its annual Open House. Families from throughout the area attended the Saturday event, which included free refreshments, prizes and information displays from a variety of local organizations.

All of the Fenton Fire Department's equipment was on display, as well as a mobile Intensive Care Unit Ambulance from Children's Hospital, and a Pediatric Critical Care Transport ambulance from Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center.

One of the more popular vehicles, however, was the remote-controlled Patches and Pumpers, a small version of a fire truck being driver by an animated dog named Patches. The vehicle, which was operated by Fenton Firefighter David Wynne, "talked" to the open house visitors through a voice-changing amplifier as it rolled around the firehouse. Wynne was clearly enjoying interacting with the kids at the open house in his role as Patches. "It's a great PR tool," he said.