Recently, LA Country Fire Station 19 crew members from La Cañada took time out from their busy schedules to talk to preschoolers at Crescenta-Cañada Cooperative Nursery School (CCNS) about fire safety. Not only that; the firefighters showed the kids some really cool stuff.

When Engine 19 arrived, the “Busy Bears” and “Darling Ducks” of CCNS assembled with their teachers in the school parking lot, excited at the sight of the shiny fire engine. Captain Pugh introduced himself and accompanying crew members Paramedic Keith Wieczorek and Engineer Vince Roldan.

Paramedic Wieczorek spoke about the protective gear firefighters use to enter burning buildings and assured the children they shouldn’t be afraid when they see a firefighter dressed up that way (though the clothing may look a little funny to them). Engineer Roldan then put the gear on piece-by-piece. The function of the clothing’s different parts was explained, and some of the kids even tried hefting the SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) to see how heavy it was.

After giving each of the children their very own Jr. Fire Chief hat, the crew from Engine 19 gave the kids a tour of the fire engine itself. They opened up the pump panel to show where the fire hose is connected. The preschoolers explored (and posed for pictures in) the fire engine’s cabin.

Finally came the most fun part of all: testing out the fire hose! Paramedic Wieczorek held the line with the assistance of CCNS kids as they shot water into the wooded gorge behind the parking lot. The kids got a good sense of how powerful the water pressure in a fire hose really is, and were able to pretend for the moment that they too were firefighters.

The crew at Station 19 are not just invaluable in the Crescenta Valley for what they do to protect property, the environment, and the welfare of our citizens. They’re also respected members of the community and role models for the kids, and the time they spent at CCNS left a lasting impression on these youngsters.