THUNDER BAY – Danica Majdanac says she hopes to become a firefighter when she grows up.
The youngster on Monday got a taste of what that life might be like when a crew from the Neebing Fire Station set up shop across the street at Holy Family School and gave students in Grades 1 to 3 a chance to climb aboard a pumper and test their fire suppression skills.
“A fire truck is really cool and there’s a lot of really cool stuff inside of it,” Danica said. “The ladder can go 100 feet and it’s super cool. I want to go up there, but I can’t.”
The seven-year-old said the best part was sitting in the driver’s seat.
“It was cool and I was pretending like I was the captain in there,” Danica said.
Classmate Paiton LeBelle said it was an exciting morning to be at school.
“It’s really fun to meet the firemen and all that stuff,” said Paiton, also seven. “I’m learning lots of stuff. If there’s firemen with tanks on their backs, don’t think it’s Darth Vader. Don’t be scared.”
The visit was part of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue’s Adopt a School Program, which has seen firefighters pay multiple visits to elementary schools throughout the city, teaching them about fire safety and connecting with students on a more personal level.
Capt. Phil Lemieux said it’s an enlightening experience for both firefighters and students alike.
“Basically we’re just trying to get the younger kids comfortable with us, the gear we wear, how we look when we’re actually in a fire,” Lemieux said.
“It’s hugely important (to learn) 911, stop-drop and roll – we try to cover all the bases for the kids so that they know what to do in case there’s ever an emergency in their house.”
Holy Family principal Ryan McWhirter said it’s a great partnership with their neighbours down the street.
“The kids are very excited to be given the background. They’re here to see the trucks and meet the firefighters and go through the trucks and just have some fun with them.”
