WMFR dedicates Station 3 to retired chief … and celebrates!

WMFR pulls out all the stops — its gear and some fire-safety bounce house activities for kids — for the open house that followed the dedication of Station 3 to former Chief Andy Price. Station 3, known as Station 1 during Price’s administration, served as the district’s main office and commission meeting quarters. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

WMFR Station 3 is geared up to greet the community at the March 25 dedication and open house. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy

Retired West Manatee Fire Rescue Chief Kenneth A. “Andy” Price Jr. stands March 25 next to the plaque dedicating Station 3 in his name at the WMFR open house, 6001 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Price said he was pleased to share the naming honor with his dad, Kenneth Price Sr. Islander Photos: Bianca Benedí

Retired Chief Andy Price sits in the front row with his family March 25 during the WMFR Station 3 dedication ceremony.

Reid Masterson, 5, practices rescuing a bunny doll March 25 at WMFR’s Station 3 open house.

Mia Golden, 11, takes a turn using a 6:1 pulley system to pull a golf cart up an incline March 25 at WMFR’s open house for Station 3.

Layla Quesenberry, 5, smiles as she stands in line for chips and burgers March 25 at the open house for WMFR Station 3.

Families explore the WMFR marine-rescue boat on display March 25 at WMFR’s Station 3 open house in Holmes Beach.

Retired WMFR Chief Andy Price addresses the crowd during the ceremonies March 25. Price worked and volunteered in the fire service for 35 years, including at WMFR and the former Anna Maria Fire Department before retiring in 2015.

Tim Chamberlain and Eric Baker tend to the grills at the rear of Station 3, serving burgers and dogs March 25 for the WMFR Station 3 open house.