Students at Marietta Elementary School recently celebrated Fire Prevention Week by spending the day with some special guests. On Friday, October 22, the students met and spent time with several of the county’s first responders.
“I approached Amber Boatright, one of our third-grade teachers and a volunteer firefighter, and spoke with her about having some of the county’s volunteer firefighters come in and talk to the kids, not just about fire safety, but about their careers,” said Heather McMahon, Elementary School Counselor.
Visiting with students were Kyle Kirk of the DFW fire department; Shady Dale Volunteer Fire Department’s Chief Tim Coyle, Assistant Chief Tim Boatright, and Lieutenant Amber Boatright; Marietta Police Officer Lance Glaze; and Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Colton Robertson.
The firefighters spoke with kids about recognizing the sounds of a fire alarm and what to do if there is a fire. Students also got to see the fire equipment and learn how it works.
Kirk visited with students about EMTs and what they do, while Glaze and Robertson talked to students about their education and training and how they help to protect the public.
“Our kids loved it!” McMahon stated. “I believe they came away with knowledge about fire safety and also what it takes to do the jobs these first responders do.”
McMahon said she believes that activities like these reinforce what students learn in the classroom, but also learn about career options and setting goals for themselves.
“Students were able to see some careers available to them, and to learn what kinds of skills and education are required for those fields and have the opportunity to ask questions about them,” McMahon added.