Students at J.E. Rhodes Elementary had some very special visitors as members of the Van Fire Department stopped by to share an important—and memorable—fire safety program with students in Pre-K through third grade.
Led by Captain Luke Hudgens, the presentation gave students the opportunity to learn potentially life-saving lessons directly from the men who respond when our community needs them most.
One of the first lessons was a familiar but incredibly important one: STOP, DROP and ROLL! A student volunteer joined Captain Hudgens to demonstrate the proper technique for classmates, giving everyone a chance to see exactly what to do if their clothing ever catches fire.
Throughout the program, students learned several other important fire-safety lessons they could take home and share with their families. Firefighters reminded them to make sure the batteries in their home's smoke detectors are checked regularly and taught them that when there is smoke, they should “stay low and go.” They also discussed the importance of knowing how to exit their homes in an emergency and having a designated family meeting place outside.
Interim City Manager Hudgens reminded students just how important these lessons can be, sharing, “If just one person is saved from injury, every program I've ever done is more than worth it!”
Of course, there was plenty of excitement when firefighters introduced students to some of the tools of their trade! Students got an up-close look at an axe, pry bar, claw, ladder and the always-impressive Jaws of Life.
Mr. Hudgens then suited up in his full firefighting gear while explaining how each piece of safety equipment helps protect firefighters as they enter dangerous situations. Just as importantly, students learned that although a firefighter wearing a mask, helmet and full gear may look or sound a little scary during an emergency, underneath all of that equipment is a hero who is there to help them.
That lesson quickly became clear as he made his way through a crowd of students eager to give him high fives, fist bumps and even a few very sweet hugs!
The learning continued outside, where students had the chance to see the fire trucks and equipment up close. Firefighters demonstrated how both water and foam can be used to extinguish fires—and the rainbows created by the water were an added bonus for our youngest Vandals!
The visit was also a wonderful reminder of just how deeply connected the Van Fire Department is to our schools and community. The department is made up of 25 VOLUNTEER firefighters who respond to calls throughout an approximately 140-square-mile area. Many of these hometown heroes are also graduates of Van ISD, including Captain Luke Hudgens and his father, Jeff Hudgens.
There were plenty of special Van ISD connections among the firefighters visiting J.E. Rhodes—including one firefighter who had an especially proud little face in the audience: his own Pre-K grandchild! ❤️
Our very own Adam Florey, Van ISD Maintenance Supervisor, is also one of Van Fire Department's volunteer firefighters, and the husband of J.E. Rhodes teacher Mrs. Thompson serves as the department's fire chief.
These men volunteer their time, leave their families and jobs when the call comes, and serve their neighbors when they need help most. We are incredibly grateful that they also make time to invest in our youngest Vandals by teaching lessons that could one day save a life.
It was a GREAT day of hands-on learning at J.E. Rhodes and an important reminder that fire prevention and safety begin with knowing what to do before an emergency happens.
Thank you to the Van Fire Department for educating, encouraging and protecting our students and our entire Van community! ❤️🚒🔥
#WeAreVan #VandalAdVANtage
Flickr album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD6NAg