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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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Fire prevention and awareness starts at an early age

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kevin Nichols
  • 914th Airlift Wing
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  Two members of the 914th Mission Support Group Fire Department recently visited the pre-kindergarten class at Sister of Charity School in South Buffalo to talk with the children about fire prevention and awareness.

Mr. John Schultz, 914 MSG Fire Prevention Inspector, and Senior Airman Aaron Walker, 914 MSG Air Force Reserve Fireman, spoke with the class of Sue Jackson to raise awareness with these children.

"Our objective at that age level is to raise awareness with the 3 year olds and pre-k," said Schultz. "They can see us in the classroom with all our gear on, breathing through the mask, making some noise and learn not to be afraid."

The importance of classroom visits is to teach children not to be scared of a fireman; to see them as a friend; not something to be scared of or run from in the event of an emergency at home.

"The biggest problem we have going into houses is that kids hide from us instead of coming to us," said Walker. "We like to start that awareness in the preschool ages."

While Senior Airman Walker demonstrated how he puts on his fire protection equipment, Fire Prevention Inspector Schultz spoke to the class about the importance of staying low, crawling outside and to the fireman. It is also very important for families to have a meeting place outside the home where everyone can gather so that the firemen can know that no one is left inside.

With classroom participation the children were taught what to do if their clothes ever catch fire. The stop, drop and roll method was practiced with much enthusiasm by the students in the classroom. The children were also taught never to touch matches or play with lighters and to stay away from the stove when their parents are cooking.

Some of the students were initially scared of the two firemen when they arrived, but by the end of the class all the children were excitedly gathered close around the two fire department professionals.

"If you touch just one kid in the class, it's worth it," said Walker. "One kid was scared when we got there. He ended up giving me a high five while I still had my gear on."

The 914th firemen were visiting the pre-k classroom at the request of one of the class parents, 914th Force Support Squadron member, Tech. Sgt. Diane McQueary.

"There is no school or children's facility on base so we're trying to reach the children through the parents," said Schultz. "I'm glad we were asked."

For the pre-k teacher, Sue Jackson, it was the first time a firefighter has come into her classroom.

"I think it was very beneficial," said Jackson. "Although at this age the children might not remember everything, it will make the parents aware and they can review things with their children. Especially about getting out of the house in case of a fire and where to meet. This was new for the children, but can be a refresher for the parents."

Referring to the child who was scared when they arrived, but at the end was high fiving the firemen, Schultz summarized, "That's what it's about. Making them aware. No big terms. This is who we are, the gear we wear, and we're friends. We wear the white. We're the good guys."