FRPS students learn about first responders for 9/11

Some of Fort Rucker's police officers, firefighters and paramedics were on hand to talk to the students about their roles in the community and about the importance of understanding emergency operations.

Fort Rucker Chief of Police Marcel Dumais explained to the kids how critical it is for them to know how to dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.

Fort Rucker's Directorate of Public Safety has a dispatch center inside. Dumais said dispatchers will answer a call within one minute and ask — what is the emergency, who is calling and the location of the emergency.

Dumais told the kids to be prepared to answer the questions and if they see something wrong, tell their teachers, parents and the police.

Dumais said the central point he wanted to get across to the students was the 9-1-1 system.

"I think the most important thing for this age group of children is just awareness of what the programs are and what is available to them on Fort Rucker," he said. "I think it's critically important that they understand how the (9-1-1) system works so that they're not afraid to use it."

Another critical point Fort Rucker Fire Department Capt. Anthony Hayes and fire inspector Maryk Hawkins wanted the students to understand is to not be afraid of firefighters, especially when they are wearing personal protective equipment.

Hayes told the children in the event of a fire, "get out and stay out," and "never hide from a firefighter." He said he understands the firefighter gear and masks can seem scary, but firefighters are there to protect them and the community.

Fort Rucker paramedics Sean Conley and Pat Crosby also showed the students what a stretcher looks like and presented medical equipment, including a stethoscope and a heart monitor, used to help people from life-threatening situations.

But aside from learning about the importance of 9-1-1 safety, students also got to have some fun with the equipment.

One student was given the opportunity to get completely dressed in turnout gear (a firefighter's uniform) and others were placed on a stretcher and lifted up in the air.

Rene' Hammond, FRPS guidance counselor, said the event was a culmination of the first responders and 9-1-1 safety unit the students have been doing for two weeks.

"(This was) for them to come and actually see the 9-1-1 responders and see some of the gear and things they actually use so that whenever they may have to come to their home or (location), they're not afraid," she said.

Hammond said the school wants the students to understand that first responders are there to help in times of need, including events like 9/11.

"We want them to know that when an emergency occurs such as 9/11, these are the people who will come and respond and take care of us," she said. "Not so much just 9/11, but anytime there's an emergency."