State Fire Marshal Robert R. Rielage announced today that his office will celebrate its 100 years of history serving Ohio on Saturday, April 8, 2000. The centennial celebration will last from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Fire Marshal’s facility at 8895 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg. Members of the general public and media are invited and encouraged to attend.

"We welcome all Ohioans to take part in a day of worthwhile, educational and memorable events as we celebrate our history," said Marshal Rielage. "We will also pay tribute to those who have given their lives protecting their fellow citizens. Through their sacrifice comes our safety."

Marshal Rielage announced that the festivities have been planned with families in mind and will include demonstrations, interactive stations, static displays and other activities. The Fire Marshal’s arson dogs will demonstrate their extraordinary detection abilities, and firefighters will conduct tower repelling, confined space rescue and auto extrication exhibitions. There will be interactive programs designed specifically for children including a "search and rescue" maze, a "crawl under smoke" exercise, a 911 simulator, a "know two ways out" lesson and fire clowns.

Fire apparatus, both modern and antique, from around the state will be featured across the grounds of the Ohio Fire Academy. Photos, clippings and an archive history will be highlighted among other static displays including a life flight helicopter, 1-800 FIRELINE (volunteer firefighter recruitment) information and an information booth on each Fire Marshal Bureau (investigations, code enforcement, fire prevention, forensics laboratory and the bureau of underground storage tank regulation).

An official ceremony commemorating the centennial will take place at 1 p.m. The ceremony will include a bagpipe tribute and "last call" honoring fallen firefighters.

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Editor: Specific information will be forthcoming as April 8^th approaches.

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