St. Regis Mohawk School students learn fire safety

On Oct. 6, St. Regis Mohawk School students were bused in to the Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department Station 1 to take part in “Fire Safety Education”. Fire Safety was started 24 years ago because there were so many fires and loss of life and it was time to do something.

“The kids are real smart and we can tell that the program is working,” said Dick Laffin at the event last Tuesday, “the teachers are learning too.”

Day long activities include the movie “Get Out Stay Out!” about fire prevention and safety followed by a discussion on what to do in case of fire, then “Stranger Danger” with Tribal Police Officer Larry Edgley, who has been teaching during fire safety for 15 years, followed by cookies and juice and a fire truck demonstration. Over the course of 3 days, approximately 580 students were bused in to take part in the presentation, and each student was sent home with a packet of information containing fire safety handouts, as well as coloring books by artist Joe Barnes in both English and Mohawk, pencils, stickers, and a fire hat. All materials can be acquired from the station.

“Special thanks to Jason McDonald, this is his first year taking over teaching the kids and he is doing an excellent job” said Mr. Laffin.

Next week students from the Headstart Program and the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club will also participate in “Fire Safety Education”. “Fire Safety Education” presentations are also offered for the Akwesasne Freedom School and daycare centers in both English and Mohawk. If students cannot be bused to the station, HAVFD will come out to them. These educational services are free.

HAVFD also does free smoke detector and carbon monoxide battery replacements.

Photos by Mary La France