Croton Falls Fire Department visits Pequenakonck Elementary for Fire Safety Day

The Croton Falls Fire Department visited Pequenakonck Elementary School today for Fire Safety Day. Members of the all-volunteer fire crew spent three hours at the school, reviewing important fire safety tips, providing instruction on what to do in an emergency and hosting hands-on demonstrations for all students in grades K - 5.

“Safety is always our top priority, and fire prevention is necessary for all students,” said PQ principal Dr. Roy Martin. “The PQ family looks forward to this day every year. It's not just about spraying the fire hose; it's about building relationships between our students and first responders, educating ourselves, and fostering a safer community."

Photo by Benjamin Allen, HudValley Photo

Croton Falls Fire Department members gave a short presentation to all students followed by an interactive session outside in front of the school building. Chief Sean Partenio said that CFFD members greatly enjoy opportunities to meet and interact with local students.

“One of the highlights of the year is our annual visit to PQ to talk about fire safety with the students, Partenio said Partenio. “It’s an important day to go over some basic fire safety knowledge along with do's and don'ts. We start with a very basic overview of equipment along with the gear a firefighter will wear during emergencies. We also spend a few minutes talking about never hiding from firemen or fire as it will make it a challenging situation for us to find them.”

Photo by Benjamin Allen, HudValley Photo

Partenio said that his crew alternated showing what a firefighter looks and sounds like both with and without their full face mask on, to show that there’s nothing scary even though a masked firefighter can sometimes sound a little “funny.”

At the end of the presentation, the kindergartners and first graders were invited to use a fire hose and put out a fire on a prop house. 

Photo by Benjamin Allen, HudValley Photo

All students in grades K through five received a goodie bag with toys and information for their parents and caregivers.