Cushing Fire Department teaches life saving lessons
Cushing — Students at the Cushing Community School were visited by the town's volunteer fire department, receiving basic educational instruction that could save lives in an emergency situation.
The kindergarten through fourth-grade classes are visited each year by the department to practice different skills and learn about the profession.
Fire Chief Arthur Kiskila, who started on the department in 1958 — its first year — said one of the most important lessons they teach is the necessity for students to memorize their addresses.
Firemen Jerrad Dinsmore and Shane Verge displayed and explained equipment the department uses and taught basic safety rules to students Oct. 25.
Lorraine Falla's second-grade class used the department's fire hose to knock a gallon jug off a chair, simulating a fire that requires extinguishing.
"Kids love anything that's hands-on," said Kiskila.
Kiskila said when he was a child in Rockland, he used to have his mother stop the car so he could walk by the fire station. "It was something I never got out of my system," he said.
The department has responded to 29 calls this year.
Courier Publications reporter Juliette Laaka can be reached at 594-4401 ext. 118 or via email at jlaaka@courierpublicationsllc.com.
Once again, the Cushing fire department did a wonderful job with our students. Thanks to all who helped make this day a success!