Reed Students Thank Firefighters

By Laurie Borst

The Handler/King sixth grade cluster at Reed Intermediate School was discussing the events of 9/11 at the beginning of the school year. Karen King, one of their teachers, had planned to post the students’ recollections of that day on a related website. Once they got into discussion, however, it became clear that the students, who were first graders in 2001, did not have many memories of that fateful day.

As they continued their discussion, the students hit on the idea of doing something to thank local firefighters for the great job they do here in Newtown.

“We talked about 9/11 and decided we should thank our firefighters in Newtown,” said sixth grader Daniella Genovese.

Ms King said the students planned the entire celebration. They set up a food committee, decoration committee, and a group to make posters.

On Friday, September 15, a tempting array of chocolate dipped pretzels, strawberries, chips, dip, and beverages awaited the firefighters’ arrival. Tablecloths and streamers decorated tables. Balloons and party hats sat on the table of honor.

“We had discussed unexpected heroes of 9/11. And how firefighters and police put their lives on the line everyday for us,” said Ms King.

The class was not sure how many firefighters would be able to make it that afternoon, and were excited when three fire trucks arrived carrying ten firefighters in all their gear and two fire marshals.

Bill Halstead, a fire marshal, is also the chief of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company. Rich Frampton is a deputy fire marshal and a member of Newtown Hook & Ladder. Also representing Hook & Ladder were Chris Belair and John Facto II.

Sandy Hook firefighters included Steve Stohl, Mike Burton, Rylan McCollum, Karin Halstead, Richard Conrod, Kevin Stoyak, Ryan Clark, and David De La Vega.

The students were prepared with a list of questions to ask. The firefighters fielded rapid-fire questions from their audience.

Why do you risk your life for a stranger? Sometimes it’s not a stranger, came the response. It could be your neighbor. Everybody in town is our neighbor or friend.

How long have you been a firefighter? Answers ranged, with some firefighters having volunteered for one year, five years, even 20 and 34 years, with the longest serving firefighter having put in 42 years.

How do you train to be a firefighter? You have to learn the trucks. The other firefighters teach you things. There are courses we can take. We are constantly training, keeping up on new things.

How old do you have to be to become a firefighter? Sixteen years old. Ryan Clark and David De La Vega are seniors in high school and joined at age 16.

Have you ever saved a life? We have gotten people out of burning buildings, so lots of lives.

What is going through your mind as you enter a burning building? You think about everything you’re trained to do. Do you have enough air? Is all my protective gear on? Where is the fire in the building? Who’s inside? Are animals inside? We ask at the scene if anyone knows who’s inside. We look for cars parked in the driveway. We’re trained to do a search for people.

What do you like/dislike about being a firefighter? Cleaning everything up afterwards. Rolling up the hoses.

What do you do in your regular job? Among the “regular jobs” were truck drivers, vet tech, doctor’s office manager, landscaper, and two 911 dispatchers.

Do you eat at the firehouse? After our meetings, twice a month, we eat dinner together.

How do you know there’s a fire? We carry pagers.

Can you leave your job? Usually. Sometimes the job is busy and we can’t leave. We go whenever it’s possible.

What animals have you saved? Dogs, cats, birds, even goldfish.

Have you ever been injured? Nothing serious, sprained wrists, minor falls, smoke inhalation. We did lose one firefighter back in the 70s. A firefighter had a heart attack on a call, and he died.

Are the clothes special? They are fire retardant. We have special hoods we wear to protect our necks and ears. Sometimes we carry air packs and have masks that protect our faces.

What inspired you to join at 16? My dad was a firefighter. I’ve always admired firefighters since I was little.

How much does the gear weigh? The gear is 50 pounds. The air packs are 25 to 30 pounds.

What do you say to people in a burning building? We here to help you.

What other kinds of calls do you respond to? Fires, medical response, car accidents.

What causes the most fires? Most are kitchen fires. Candles start many of the fires.

Have you rescued cats out of trees? Lots.

How many people carry the hoses? Two or three people are needed for the big hoses.

Did you know firefighters who helped in 9/11? Several firefighters had known 9/11 responders.

What happens when kids call 911? Child callers are the most common. They have learned in school what to do. Adults tend to panic, often blowing things out of proportion. Our youngest caller was about 5.

Have you gotten calls you thought were a prank? Dispatchers are trained for this. When you call 911, a screen shows your name, address, and phone number. If we think it’s a prank or someone hangs up without talking, we call the police department and they check it out.

As the school day ticked away, Ms King stopped the questioning so everyone could enjoy the food. Students got to try on some of the helmets.

“It’s really heavy!” said Taylor Reardon.

After everyone got their fill of goodies, they went outside. The students got to sit in the trucks and blow the airhorns. Steve Stohl operated one of the ladders, extending it to its fullest. Chris Belair then climbed to the top while students and teachers oohed and aahed.

It was an informative afternoon for all. These students won’t soon forget the dedicated men and woman who visited them that day.