Haldane School recently celebrated Fire Safety Week with students in grades kindergarten through middle school as former Cold Spring Fire Chief Dan Valentine presented assembly programs.
Cold Spring Fire Company No. 1, Garrison Volunteer Fire Company, North Highlands Engine Company No. 1 and Continental Village Fire Department joined the presentations. This year’s focus was “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives.”
Children learned about fire prevention and had the opportunity to see gear that firefighters use for protection. Students were reminded about the importance of smoke detectors and having an emergency plan set up for every household. Valentine stressed the importance of planning two ways out of your house in case one way is blocked. The children were encouraged to remind parents to change batteries on smoke detectors when they change clocks for daylight saving time.
Bicycle safety was also included and mandatory helmet wearing was discussed. Many students were surprised to hear that they could be ticketed for not stopping at a stop sign or red light.
Sparky the Firedog and Freddy the Firetruck also participated. Valentine and firefighters Lillian Moser, Justin Cornelius and Jeff Phillips Jr. represented Cold Spring Fire Company No. 1, and all are Haldane graduates.
The Garrison Volunteer Fire Company members included Capt. Dan Sussman, and firefighters Lee Erickson (Haldane graduate), Jordan Erickson, Betsey Calhoun and Michael DelMonte. Representatives from Continental Village Fire Department were firefighters Angelina Diaz and Joe Maffettone.
North Highlands Engine Company No. 1 firefighters included Karolina Monroe, Alyssa Merritt, Lauren Merritt, Michael Lyons, Connor Allen, Anthony Percacciolo and Kristin Van Tassel. All attended or are attending Haldane.
Photos courtesy of Haldane
