Smokey honors his colleagues

Loretta George/Tribune photo Delwin Mumbower, Bourbon County Fire District No. 3 chief, poses with Smokey Bear during the 70th birthday party for the fire prevention icon held Saturday at the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Also pictured are Chief Ranger Kelley Collins and Park Ranger Barak Geertsen.

The Fort Scott National Historic Site invited all Bourbon County area firefighters and the public to attend a celebration in honor of Smokey Bear's 70th birthday. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to all fire departments for their role in fire prevention and suppression. A history of the bear was presented by Geertsen. Cake and punch were provided by the Friends of Fort Scot National Historic Site for those attending. Original prints were displayed of Kansas artist, Rudy Wendelin, and also children who attended the Trailblazer Camp this year.

Programs and stations at the Fort during the weekend focused on the use of fire and smoke at Fort Scott.