Thank you to the Berlin, Grafton, Petersburgh and Stephentown Volunteer Fire Departments and EMS volunteers who visited Berlin Elementary School today, October 13th, for the annual Fire Prevention Assembly.

The morning at BES started with a fire drill. Students and staff did an excellent job during the drill quietly and swiftly evacuating the building, accounting for all students and staff while also managing a blocked entrance portion of the drill. Great work Mountaineers!

Fire Safety Educator, Mr. Joe Rechen from the Berlin Fire Department hosted two morning assemblies, Kindergarten – 2nd grade and 3rd – 5th grade.

While one group was attending the assembly the other Mountaineers were able to learn about and explore safety vehicles and equipment with local volunteer emergency responders.

Later in the morning the volunteer firefighters and Mr. Rechen also visited the Pre-K classrooms.

The theme for the assembly this year was “Cooking safety starts with you”.

Mr. Rechen talked to the Mountaineers about fire prevention in the kitchen and what to do in case of a fire. Students were also introduced to Ms. Haley Maxon, a Berlin volunteer firefighter, students helped Ms. Haley put on all her gear. This was to demonstrate that there is a person behind the mask and all the gear they must wear and the students should not be afraid when they see a firefighter. Firefighters, our friends, neighbors, family and community members.

A few BES students were able to dress in the junior firefighter gear, demonstrate “stop drop and roll” and show how to evacuate a fire safely.

It was wonderful to see several Berlin alumni in the crew of volunteers, even some recent graduates and coaches.

We are grateful for all our volunteer emergency responders. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our community.

Please ask your Mountaineers to share some of the tips on fire safety they learned today and remember to have a safety plan at home for what to do in the event of a fire.