Firefighters teach children about fire safety Published Oct. 14, 2014 By Senior Airman Joshua Edwards 17th Training Wing Public Affairs SAN ANGELO, Texas -- The 312th Training Squadron assisted the San Angelo Fire Department in educating children at 26 local elementary schools during Fire Prevention Week Oct. 2 to 10. The firefighters worked together to teach elementary students fire prevention and proper evade and evacuation techniques. "Fire education is important to instill at a young age, so it becomes a habit as children grow into adults," said Staff Sgt. Alexander J. Rodriguez, 312th TRS instructor. "Children need fire education, so if there is an emergency, they know what actions will save their lives or others' lives. Also, knowing what they should do when confronted with a potentially dangerous situation can protect them and those around them from harm." To help entertain and educate the students, the firefighters provided demonstrations such as low crawling through smoke and creating an escape plan, as well as showing fire trucks and the Goodfellow Fire department's mascot, Sparky. "One of the biggest draws to this is Sparky," said Ashlie A. Crane, Lamar Elementary School assistant principal and instructional coach. "They absolutely love Sparky. They got to look through the fire truck, which they loved. Our kiddos love any sort of assembly or learning opportunity that is a little different than the classroom." The firefighters provide this service to the elementary schools every year and plan to continue doing so for future fire prevention weeks.
