Fire Prevention Week brings fun and education for kids

Danielle Switalski

“This is awesoooome!!” yelled Izik Green with his arms wide open and a huge grin plastered across his face as Rural Firefighter Bob Heckman turned on the fire hose last Wednesday. 

October 4-10 marked fire prevention week and the Rural Fire Department decided to set up their fire truck in the middle of Plains Elementary schoolyard and give the kids a taste of what it means to be a fire fighter.  Alongside Heckman was Rural Firefighter Terry Glase who began the educational part of the afternoon as the elementary kids gathered around the fire truck, excitement and glee in their eyes for getting a break outside the classroom, albeit an educational one. 

“We want to get them familiar with who we are and what happens in case of a fire,” said Glase.

Heckman began explaining to the kids what happens if they are called to a fire and blared the beeper, that could wake even the soundest sleeper, to an excited crowd.  After explaining the standard procedure for the fire fighters if they are called to a fire, Heckman asked the students what they should do if they get trapped in a burning building and nearly every kid raised their hand.  And a unison shout of “Stop, Drop and Roll!’ rang from the kids’ mouths when asked what they would do in case their clothing caught on fire.

“These kids are pretty knowledgeable and know most of this already,” said Glase as the children were eagerly waving their hands in the air to answer Heckmen’s questions.

Following the educational portion, Heckman brought out his firefighter gear to show around.  Every kid took their turn trying on either the boots or coat.

After the uniforms were taken around the group, each kid got their chance to hop into the driver’s seat of the fire truck.

“It’s really fun because I’ve never been in a real one before, I’ve seen one, but never been in one.  Climbing in the front (seat) was my favorite part and seeing all the controls,” said student Mariah Smith. 

The real excitement began when Glase asked the kids, “Who wants to spray some water?”  The screams rang around the schoolyard as Heckman helped various students turn on the fire hose and watch the powerful stream of water shoot out across the playground.  Every kid would most likely agree with Izik Green and say “that was awesome.”

Reporter Danielle Switalski can be reached by calling 826-3434.