“Heroes are here”

“Heroes are here” is among the messages drawn in chalk in front of Poplar Bluff Fire Department Station 1, 300 S. Broadway St.

Poplar Bluff firefighters stood inside an open bay door watching as a group of students from the Boys & Girls Club of the Heartland drew personal messages paying tribute to them.

The 25 students, ranging from grades sixth to the 12th, worked intently using colorful chalk.

With creativity and imagination, the students used images of firefighter gear like tanks, ladders, wheels and hoses, along with scenes of the fire crews at work to form the message “Thank you.”

As the students worked, they shared their thoughts about the firefighters.

Ninth-grader Jayden Sullivan wanted to share his praises “because they save countless lives and it is the least we can do for them.”

“I just decided to thank them for everything they have done for the city,” said Addyson Preslar, who will be in eighth grade.

Leara Hopson, who is going into 11th grade, replied, “I thought it would be fun to tell them we appreciate them. They save lives. It is the least we can do.”

After the students completed their artistic “thank you’s,” the firefighters pulled out a fire truck for a group photo. The students toured the station. They tried on fire gear, held equipment used at a variety of scenes, and visited with the firefighters .

Boys & Girls Club of the Heartland Executive Club Director Robbie Toth-Cosby said the students “really like to do community services,” especially for local heroes. They enjoy being able to show their creativity, she said.