Fire Prevention Week kicks off

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Ellis
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  This year's Fire Prevention Week kicked off with more than 500 on-base students touring MacDill's crash fire station Oct. 9.

The goal of Fire Prevention Week is "to inform and educate the population on fire safety, prevention, and post fire actions," said Master Sgt. Richard Golen, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Prevention office.

This year was the first time Tinker Elementary School students went to the station, instead of the crew bringing a truck and a trailer demonstration to them.

"I was surprised by the turnout and was super happy that we could coordinate with all the supporting agencies to make it possible," said Staff Sgt. Sergio Melendez, 6th CES Fire Prevention office. "With the tools and equipment that we cannot bring to them, they got a chance to see the things that help save lives."

Kimberly Field-Miller, Tinker Elementary School kindergarten teacher, described how excited the kids were to come to the fire station. Before the visit, they read books such as "Clifford the Big Red Dog" and did activities explaining firefighters' jobs and equipment.

Field-Miller's class of kindergartners drew pictures to give to the firefighters, who work rotating 24-hour shifts protecting the base against fires and other hazards.

"The most memorable experience this week was some of the students remembering me from last year, and telling me that this year was 10 times better because they were actually able to feel like a firefighter for at least a day," said Melendez.