Firefighters host camp for kids
Submitted by jcht2010 on
The Edna Fire Department held a summer camp for kids this year, and it couldn't have been more successful.
The children spent an entire work week, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., learning not only about fire safety, but medical careers, law enforcement, and even addiction and consequences.
Jackson County Electric Co-op made an appearance, as well as fire departments from surrounding counties, Edna Police Department, The Jackson County Sheriff's Office, representatives from the Department of Corrections, PHI Air Med, and more. Even inmates from the Jackson County Jail spoke with the campers to educate them on the dangers of drugs, especially synthetic marijuana, which law enforcement is seeing more and more of these days.
The fire department arranged for several demonstrations by organizations they work closely with, including the State Fire Marshal’s office, represented at the camp by Captain Tommy Pleasant and his partner Gabby, a Belgian Malinois who detects accelerants in arson cases.
Nine year old Ashton Strauss, the son of Nick Strauss, a fireman with the Edna Fire Department, said his favorite demonstration was from Jackson Electric, who taught him about the dangers of power lines and electricity.
"(I learned) the different wires and what they did," he said, "and how if you touch certain wires it can burn you."
The department even brought in the Jaws of Life to demonstrate how they rescue people trapped in cars.
"When they cut the car in half I learned that when they do have to cut you out with the Jaws of Life, don't be scared," said camper Eli Pahmiyer. "They're just trying to help you, they're not trying to hurt you."
Another plus of the camp was that all the participating kids learned CPR.
"I got my certification," said Cayden Tipton, excited for the opportunity. All the kids in attendance earned certifications in CPR, which last two years.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson of the week wasn't planned. The children learned exactly how quickly fire and EMS professionals must leave when they're paged. Ethan Brunson noted how when a fire broke out in Cottonwood Apartments, the firefighters had to leave immediately.
"I was sitting in the front seat and all of a sudden they got a call and just pulled me out and had to take off," he said.
Lots of kids this week decided they want to be firefighters when they grow up, but at least one has always felt that way – Ashton Strauss.
"I'm really inspired by my dad," he said, "He's a really good fireman. I want to grow up to be just like him."
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