While I was there the station had some
unique visitors. A day care class of
what looked to be about three or four-year-olds arrived to see the station and
fire trucks and even a real live fireman.
Their eyes were as big as saucers as “really experienced veteran” fire
fighter Bergeron (or so he was introduced.
He’s actually one of our class of amazing rookies) lifted them one by
one into the back seat of the engine.
The guys had to fill in a little bit of
time since the group was a few minutes early.
Dan Guidry made a great tour guide until Trish got there, though. But when Trish arrived, everything
changed. She stepped into teacher mode
and didn’t look back.
Cody Anderson demonstrated the finer points
of using a fire extinguisher. And Trish
quickly moved in to add, What do you do if you find yourself on fire? Stop, Drop and Roll.”
As Cody showed the kids an ax, the ultimate
tool symbol of the fire service, Trish queried, “We all know what the sharp
side of the ax is used for, but who knows what the fire fighters use the other
side for?” Not a sound from the
youngsters, so Cody squatted down at their level and slowly moved the handle
end of the ax closer and closer until it touched a tiny foot. Trish continued, “That’s it! That’s what it is used for. When a room is really smoky and no one can
see, the fire fighter will moved through the room feeling around with his
ax. And if you are there, and feel the
axe, you can know it’s someone coming to help you.” Now that would have been good enough for
me. I was duly impressed. But, ever the communicator, Trish continued, “So
now you see why it is so important to keep your rooms clean, to keep your toys
picked up in your room. So if the fire
fighter comes through with his ax, he won’t keep hitting toys. He’ll be able to find you more quickly.” Trish, that was just … wow. I for one went right home and picked up my
toys.
The demonstration wasn’t over yet. Bergeron then helped each child have a turn
at holding a live water hose and shooting the water out into the street. It was great fun to see the look of wonder on
the little faces when they realized that they actually turned the spray
on. Priceless. At one point one of those open tour buses full
of tourists drove by. The stream of
water just missed them. Boy, that would
have been great fun. And the ever-present
Trish followed up that experience by placing a sticker on the lapel of each one
who completed the task.
I missed the tour of the bunk room because I
volunteered to escort some guys to the Fire Marshall’s office. I caught up with them again in the kitchen
just as one of the teachers wondered, “Why multiple refrigerators? Don’t our taxes pay for you guys to eat?” Stifling a chuckle, the fire fighters managed
a simple, “No, Ma’am.” She was aghast,
horrified. “Well, that’s just not fair.” Hmm.
Wonder if that will become a negotiating point in next year’s budget
talks.
Kudos to Dan and Tim and Cody and all the
other fire fighters involved in the station tour. You all remained absolutely professional
while connecting with a bunch of four-year-olds. Anyone who has ever dealt with kids knows just
how impressive a feat that is. And I can’t
say enough about Trish. Her very
presence turned the whole experience around for those little guys (the fire
fighters as well as the day care kids!).
Nice job, “Trish the Teach.”
Exodus 4:11-12 says, “The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or
mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I
will help you speak and will teach you what to say.’”
Father, take care of the guys on duty today, and watch over our Trish the
Teach. Bless her and her family with
great happiness. Amen.
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