WES students learn fire safety
Firefighter Johnathan Pace shows a group of students some of the firefighting supplies on each RFD truck.
Chief Joe Mansell goes over a few fire safety tips with WES students.
Students steal a quick minute with Sparky.
By Alison James for the FCT
Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, signs of fire and how to stop, drop and roll – children are never too young to learn about these things, which is why the Russellville Fire Department spent much of last week at West Elementary.
Firefighters taught students about firefighting equipment, and then they were able to tour the fire safety house to learn about fire hazards. Sparky also made a special appearance.
“It’s never too early to learn about this,” Principal Deanna Hollimon said. “It’s an awesome opportunity.
Hollimon, who toured the fire safety house herself Wednesday, pointed out that it’s amazing what children absorb, and they might just be the ones to help their families with fire prevention and fire safety. Chief Joe Mansell has seen that happen – children using something they learned about fire safety to make their homes safer or take proper action in a house fire.
“This is something we’ve been doing for years,” Mansell said. “We love talking to the different age groups.”
Mansell said the opportunity to speak with the children is invaluable to his department because it allows them to introduce themselves and interact with the children in a positive environment so that if a child ever should need help from a firefighter – perhaps a firefighter in a scary mask loaded down with equipment – that child won’t be afraid.
Superintendent Heath Grimes said he wants students to really become citizens of their communities and understand what it means to be a community helper, like a firefighter.
“They provide such a great service to our community,” Grimes said.
