Area Pre-school Kids Learn About Firefighters

Oskaloosa Firefighter James Gillespie takes a group of pre-school children on a tour of the Oskaloosa Fire Department

Oskaloosa, Iowa – It’s that time of year again when fire prevention comes to mind.

The preschool classes of Kathy Harvey and Deb Rohloff visited the Oskaloosa Fire Station on Wednesday. Their combined group of kids got to see a wide variety of equipment, including what a firefighter looks like with all his gear on, including the face-mask and air tanks.

The kids toured the upstairs of the fire station to see where they cook their meals, have their offices and wait until they are needed during the overnight hours. Firefighters can be found on the floor of the fire station until typically 5 pm after spending the day servicing their equipment. Evenings are spent in housekeeping activities, training, and the paperwork that comes with documenting the many activities they are involved with.

“The firemen did a great job and the tour is always exciting for the children,” said Harvey, the director of Keiki’s Place.

A group photo in front of the fire truck is always necessary before leaving the fire station

“It’s a neat opportunity to introduce the preschoolers to some of our community helpers. And it’s a great way to introduce fire safety, especially since young children are curious about lighters and matches.” In the classroom, Harvey said she also focuses on fire safety, practices fire drills and assigns homework to encourage parents to test their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Oskaloosa Fire Captain Dave Christenson said at this time of the year, these types of talks and demonstrations increase. Next week the Oskaloosa Fire Department starts the week off with visits to OES where at least 9 classes will get an opportunity to see and hear more about fire prevention.

If your group would like to set up a time to visit the fire station, you can contact the Oskaloosa Fire Department at (641) 673-3541.