Union Fire District Opens Station 1 to Public
The Union Fire Protection District hosted a community open house at its Station 1 on Saturday, with truck tours and family activities.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Emergency Response
Live Poll
Do you trust your local fire department to serve your community well?
The Union Fire Protection District held an open house at its Station 1 on Saturday, letting visitors climb into fire trucks and tour the station's living quarters. Vehicles from the Union Ambulance District and Franklin County Sheriff's Office were also on display.
Why it matters
The district organized the event to engage the community and show residents its facilities and how firefighters live at the station. It was the first open house the department has held recently at Station 1.
The source identifies Station 1 at 1401 W. Springfield Ave. and Gary Graf as fire chief since February 2025, but does not report attendance figures or any prior open house comparison. Visitor turnout and the total number of attendees were not disclosed.
The players
Union Fire Protection District
The Union Fire Protection District is the local fire service serving the city of Union, Missouri, and operates Station 1 at 1401 W. Springfield Ave.
Gary Graf
Gary Graf is the Union Fire Chief who took over leadership of the department in February 2025.
The details
Visitors could enter the district's fire trucks, tour the station including its living quarters, and watch a duck race in which a tanker truck released water to float toy ducks downhill. A bounce house and free hot dogs were also offered during the event.
Timeline
February 2025: Gary Graf took over as Union Fire Chief.
Saturday: Union Fire Protection District held its Station 1 open house.
Seasonal Patterns
Community open houses at fire stations are a recurring public-education practice that fire protection districts use to familiarize residents with emergency facilities before they need them. This event fits that established practice of routine public access to station facilities.
Residents who want to see fire apparatus or learn how firefighters work can visit Station 1 at 1401 W. Springfield Ave. during public events. Knowing the station's location helps residents reach emergency services quickly when needed.
The takeaway
Local fire stations often open their doors to the public, giving residents a chance to meet crews and see equipment before an emergency arises. Knowing where your nearest station is located can save valuable time when it matters most.
Further reading
For more on local safety services, see Emergency Response coverage for Union.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Missourian.
Live Poll
Do you trust your local fire department to serve your community well?
