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Fire truck tour is highlight for most students

Nothing beats a fire truck tour.

That was clearly evident when 91��Ƭ�� fire academy students recently put on assemblies about fire safety for students in kindergarten through third grade. The assemblies at Burgin and Rankin elementary schools were made possible thanks to a generous grant from The Hartford.

Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos greeted the elementary students with an inspirational welcome as he introduced high school students from the Dan Dipert Career & Technical Center’s fire academy.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for the younger students to learn from our older students,” Cavazos said. “Not only is it good that they are learning fire safety, but they are also learning that they can pursue their interests and passions, like firefighting, through 91��Ƭ��.”

During the assemblies, the fire academy students covered fire safety topics like exit plans, door control (closing doors to contain the fire), and stop, drop and roll.

The excitement of the young students was evident as they listened attentively and asked questions following the demonstration.

One student asked, “What happens if you run out of firefighters?”

 “We call our friends from the surrounding areas!” a high schooler answered.

Sylvia Ledezma, Rankin Elementary assistant principal, proudly pointed out that one of the fire academy presenters, Israel N., a high school junior, was a former fourth grader of hers who has worked hard to establish himself as a leader in the program.

Asked for his take on the fire academy, Israel N. said, “I love the program, and I love answering the kids’ questions. It’s a lot of fun.”

Two of Israel’s classmates, Eric M. and Brian M., agreed and said how much they love the fire academy.

“It teaches teamwork, socialization skills, and also helps to build character,” they said.

Among the Rankin and Burgin students, one thing is for certain. The highlight of the assembly was the tour of the fire truck! Each class had its own turn to view the fire truck, ask questions and, best of all, hold the nozzles and fire hose.

At the conclusion of the tour, each student received a goody bag, compliments of The Hartford, with a fire hat and vest, stickers, materials to color on and a smoke detector.

“We are excited for the opportunity for our students to get materials provided by The Hartford,” said Christi Wilks, principal of Burgin Elementary. “We are also excited that our elementary students can see what the future can hold for them by seeing the role models from the fire academy.”

91��Ƭ�� sends a special thank you to The Hartford for their generosity and leadership in the community.