Keyston Cops as Firemen ca 1959

In the mid 1950’s throught the early 1960’s the Marion Elks Club in cooperation with the Marion Illinois Fire Department would annually promote fire safety. Each year, Elks Club members would dress as Keystone Cops and board the fire engine loaded with fake guns and candy to distribute. The engine would make the rounds of the local schools and hand out candy to the children. Sam Lattuca, my father, would regularly participate in this event. He is shown in the center of this picture pointing the gun. A couple of the other regulars I remember participating were Glen Atkisson and Leonard Cox.  By the mid 1960’s this program had ran its course. Unfortunately, I don’t have the names of others shown in this photograph.

(Photo and data from Sam Lattuca family collection)