October 6th through the 10th was Fire Prevention week across the country and, in Montezuma, we are incredibly fortunate to have a volunteer fire department who is all in for educating our students about fire safety.
Joel Kercheval, Montezuma Fire Chief, was able to respond to a few questions as it pertains to the department’s role in working with the students at Montezuma Community Schools and the community.
Joel noted that, “The fire department has been involved with fire prevention week for decades. It has always been a priority for our department to educate our community on the dangers of fire, how to prevent them from happening and what to do in the event of a fire to protect the citizens that we serve and minimize injury and loss of property”.
When asked why it’s is important to educate elementary on fire safety and prevention, Kercheval responded, “It is so important for our department to educate the elementary students on fire safety as they take the information home and sometimes educate the rest of the family. Whether it be not placing a cloth on a hot stove or having too many items plugged into on outlet, these children really pick up on and observe things that a lot of us adults miss or get complacent with. They ask tremendous questions, listen intently and really take the information in. We also bring personnel to the school dressed in full turnout gear and SCBA so that the kids know what we look like and how we sound so that they aren't afraid of us should we ever need to come find them”.
When asked about what’s the best part of the week for the fire department, Joel answered, “The best part of Fire Prevention week for our personnel is the interaction with the community. Whether that be through Operation EDITH, when we drive around town and see how many of the families in the community practice their Exit Drill In The Home, during the spaghetti supper on Thursday night when we get to interact with the public in a non-emergency setting, and, of course, the fire truck rides on Friday at the school. Being able to interact with the children (and of course the teachers) gives our personnel the opportunity to see how excited everyone is to see the fire department, the trucks and our people”.
Thank to Joel Kercheval for responding to my questions and a huge THANK YOU to our Montezuma Volunteer Fire Department for everything they do every day. It is alway great when our community can continue to work together to help our Braves and Bravettes grow. Below, you will see some pictures of the students’ favorite parts of Fire Prevention Week, the fire truck rides and hose coupling contest!
