Greencastle Assistant Fire Chief Rob Frank understands the importance of reading and education.

It's a major reason why he is involved with the United Way's Real Men Read program where he reads to kindergarten students once a month during the school year. 

In addition, he has volunteered to read when the United Way hosts Read Across America at the Putnam County Library.

"We read books and then the kids get a copy to take home with them," Frank told The Putnam County Post.

So when he was asked to collaborate with them for a reading event, it only made sense to get the whole department, including the equipment, involved as the Greencastle Fire Department recently read to children and then provided an up close and personal experience with a fire truck. 

"They chose the books and we brought the fire truck. We read and then gave the families a chance to see the fire truck up close. Reading is so important in developing children. We plan on doing another event in the future," Frank said. 

Frank said giving back to the community is something the department prides itself on. 

"As a department we enjoy giving back to a community that is invested in us. So events like this mean a lot to us. Plus several of the firefighters that read had their young children there," he said.

Frank continued by saying not only do the children get read to by firefighters, but they also get to see what is in a fire truck and how it operates. 

"We tell them it's like a big tool box where we carry all the tools we need for an emergency. It's also important for them to know that we are there to help in times of emergencies," Frank said. 

The assistant chief said the event was made possible by Kaitlin Tipsword, marketing and communications director at the library, Krista Mullinnix, youth services director, and Taylor O'Brian, youth services librarian. 

"The event wouldn't have happened if they wouldn't have invited us," Frank said.