SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen is expected to approve a grant for the Southwick Fire Department Monday night.
Fire Chief Richard Anderson said the SAFE grant of $4,800 is something the SFD applies for annually and helps firefighters offer educational programs to students.
“We go into the schools and bring our trucks and wear our gear to introduce young children to firefighters,” Anderson said.
Capt. William Frazer said the program is geared toward grade school children.
“The past few years though we have been starting in the preschool,” said Frazer.
The SFD has participated in the SAFE grant program for about 17 years. Frazer said in the late 80s and early 90s, there were numerous fires as the result of children experimenting with combustibles.
“Educating kids at an early age lets them know what can happen when you mess around with fire,” he said.
The program also familiarizes young children with how a firefighter looks in full gear, which can be intimidating to a child.
Frazer said the SFD makes presentations to children in preschool through grade eight.
Anderson said the grant pays for materials to hand out to students, including fire safety coloring books for younger children.
Frazer said this year, students will learn to draw a map of their home and will create an escape plan. They will also learn how to use the 911 system. But the SAFE program isn’t a strict event, it’s also fun.
“I enjoy it,” Frazer said. “The firefighters will eat lunch with the kids – it’s a great way to get to know them.”
