On Oct. 11, members of the Carle Place Fire Department visited Cherry Lane Elementary School to provide an educational experience for the students. The firefighters displayed their gear and tools, taught safety techniques and explained how to respond in case of an emergency.
Students learned the step-by-step process of how firefighters quickly assemble their equipment after receiving an emergency call, and even got hands-on experience by spraying a hose from the fire truck. The day also included a mock fire emergency in a mobile smokehouse, where students practiced identifying alternate exit routes and even had the chance to climb out a window as part of the drill.
Students from Ms. Donna Gross and Ms. Lauri Lewitas’ second grade class enjoyed learning about the critical role firefighters play in the community. Several students shared how in the future, they would like to be firefighters themselves. In fact, this was the case for firefighter Charles Karen, who had Ms. Gross as his teacher while he was a student at Cherry Lane. Ms. Gross, who was thrilled to see him, shared that this was a wonderful “full circle moment,” as she introduced Charles to her current second grade class.
“It’s really important for the kids to see the firefighters dressed in their uniforms because sometimes they get scared and might want to hide,” shared Ms. Lewitas. By introducing students to members of the fire department — especially in their gear — they become comfortable with the firefighters, which is crucial in cases of emergency. Ms. Lewitas also added that the children enjoy recognizing the firefighters and eagerly look forward to their visits every year.
