 Without a doubt, Anchorage firefighters are heroes on the streets of our community. But did you know these courageous civil servants are heroes in the hallways of our schools as well? Anchorage fire stations have formed school business partnerships with more than a dozen schools throughout the city. For this voluntary service to the community, the Anchorage Fire Department has been awarded the 2009 Shining STAR award.
At Aquarian Charter School, the firefighters from Station 5 attend family picnics, host fire safety field trips, and regularly flood the school’s ice rink. They also donated a fire truck ride to the school’s fundraising auction. Aquarian principal Sue Forbes said the firefighters are always cheerful and willing to lend a hand. Her students have delivered treats to the firefighters, and provide artwork to decorate their station.
Station 5 also works with students at North Star Elementary. Marcus Wilson, the school’s principal, said his students were thrilled when the firefighters from Station 5 participated in the school’s Read Across America celebration. They personally read to students, in addition to eating lunch with the school community and giving fire truck tours. “I really appreciate the positive role models they are for our students and how they truly enjoy spending that one-on-one time with children,” said Wilson.
Across town at Station 6, firefighters are busy supporting four different schools. At Begich Middle School, firefighters participate in PE classes and after school soccer. “They are excellent role models who show how to maintain fitness,” said Principal Jeanne Fischer. The firefighters also serve as mentors and volunteer at student led conferences, giving students a chance to share their portfolios when their parents cannot attend.
At Nunaka Valley Elementary, Station 6 firefighters can be found passing out bike helmets and teaching fire safety to kindergarteners. They attended the school’s health fair, back to school night, and read to students during literacy day.
Station 6 is also busy helping students at Chester Valley Elementary by serving as reading buddies, participating in assemblies, holding disaster preparedness drills, and giving classroom fire safety presentations.
 Chad Green, Mike Fish, Chief Tim Garbe, and Captain Ben Demboski visit the gymnasium at Begich MS.
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Senior Captain Barry Clark, North Star ES principal Marcus Wilson, teacher Kate Leary help her students explore a fire truck.
The firefighters from Station 4/Platoon C made a lasting impression on Wendler Middle School eighth graders when they demonstrated the jaws of life during a rescue demonstration. This platoon is referred to as the “Mad Dawgs” and they have the city’s rescue diving gear, which they bring to the school for students to see. The firefighters are a constant presence at the school, attending back to school nights, student led conferences, dances, and supporting the school’s fire education and prevention lessons.
Firefighters at Station 4 found a way to tie fire safety to the math curriculum at Tudor Elementary. According to Principal Michelle Smith, “Captain Blake Lindsoe and crew have provided tours of the fire truck and shared with students how math is used in fire fighting at our Family Math/Literacy Night!” The firefighters also volunteered to be judges at Tudor’s science fair and make fire safety presentations in the classrooms.
Student safety is a priority for the partnership between Station 1 and Winterberry Charter School. The firefighters installed fence posts to secure a play yard for students, and they are arranging first aid and CPR classes for middle school students. The firefighters also helped with the school’s fundraising auction.
A new partnership with Station 12 and Taku Elementary was recently established. Firefighters plan to facilitate at least two fire drills each year, and distribute awards at student assemblies.
One of the most special relationships is that of Fire Station 9 and Bowman Elementary School. The firefighters spend hours at the school, participating in the carnival, showing students their trucks, reading to kids during the school’s Book Bash, and teaching fire safety lessons. They thoroughly demonstrate how firefighters dress for a fire, which helps alleviate any fears about their special gear and safety equipment. Amazingly, the Bowman community raised thousands of dollars to purchase a Bullard Thermal Imager for Fire Station 9. The firefighters bring the thermal imager to math/science events and teach students how it works. The students were very proud of this accomplishment, and the entire community benefits from this life saving technology. “I have a special place in my heart for firefighters,” said Darrel Vincek, Bowman principal, and the collaborative partnership his school has with Station 9 proves it!
From fire safety education and field trips to serving as reading buddies and mentors, the fine men and women of the Anchorage fire department are excellent role models for our students. Their proactive lessons and enthusiastic spirit of service make them top candidates for the Shining STAR Award. Thank you, Anchorage firefighters!
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