Antonia Fire Protection District Chief Matt Krutzsch said the district’s recent open house was one of the most attended in the history of the annual event.
He said about 200 people attended the free event on April 25 at House 2 in Barnhart.
“I think the weather had a good deal to do with that because it was so pretty out,” Krutzsch said. “It was nonstop people coming and going. I looked over at the water district, where we have people park, and I had never seen that parking lot so full at one of our open houses.”
The open house included tours of the fire house and a vehicle extrication demonstration.
Krutzsch said Terry’s Towing provided the vehicle for the demonstration, and firefighters slowed down the extrication to explain to people what they were doing and why they do it.
“We explained the tools and why we do the things that we do,” he said. “I think people liked it because they learned more of what may happen if they are in an accident. It kind of prepares them for what happens. It was more of a learning experience, instead of just watching us do our job.”
Krutzsch said there was an area where people could learn how to perform CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver, a stop-drop-and-roll presentation for children, and firefighters taught the proper technique of how to use a fire extinguisher.
“We have a fire extinguisher prop that has LED lights,” he said. “When you use the fire extinguisher, it sprays just like a fire extinguisher, and we show them how you spray and sweep the spray across the base of the flames. This way, people have a better knowledge of how to use a fire extinguisher.”
A medical helicopter landed near the fire house during the event, and along with people being able to explore a firetruck, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Rock Township Ambulance District also had vehicles for people to look through.
There also were representatives from BackStoppers, Jefferson County 911 Dispatch, Suntide Restoration and Construction, St. Louis Elite Medical Systems and Jason Stuckmeyer from American Family Insurance at the event.
Krutzsch said Woodard helped sponsor the event. He also said Hogz In Da Hood BBQ sold out of some of its products.
“It went very well,” he said. “We were glad people came out and enjoyed themselves. We welcome them to stop by for tours whenever they want. It doesn’t just have to be during open houses.”
Krutzsch said the district set up displays with pictures showing how Antonia Fire has used and will use money from an $11 million bond issue, which was called Proposition Safety, that voters approved in November 2024.
He said there were pictures of a new firetruck that will be delivered later this year and the new House 1 that is being built at 5530 Old Hwy. 21 in the Otto area with bond money.
“I had a few people say it was neat to see the pictures of the firetruck we have purchased and the new station,” Krutzsch said. “We also had pictures of what we have bought with the bond issue. They said it was neat to see what their money is being used for.
“They also saw how we take care of our stuff. They were pretty amazed at how old our equipment is at the house, but it looks new. I take pride in that because the public gives us their money and we have to spend it wisely. We have to make things last because we don’t have a free pit of money to always buy something. We take pride in ownership of our gear, house, trucks and equipment because we need to make things last.”
Antonia Fire’s coverage area is 36 square miles and includes Barnhart, Otto and portions of Imperial and House Springs.
