On Thursday, October 24, Burbank firefighters brought a ladder truck from Station #12 and a fire engine from Station #14 to the YMCA’s north parking lot across from the YMCA Children’s Development Center at 332 E. San Jose Ave. Several groups of preschoolers met the firefighters and were able to check out their gear and sit inside the ladder truck cab.
As Firefighter Chris Donan put on turnout gear and SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus), Captain Dave Burke, from Station #12, described to the children what Firefighter Donan was doing. Then, Firefighter Donan walked along the row of children, giving high-fives. Capt. Burke explained to the children that although the mask makes a noise and it’s hard to see the person inside the suit, to not be afraid; a firefighter dressed like that would be there to help take them to safety.
Captain Grant Stephens, from Station #14, and several firefighters, wearing pink shirts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and others wearing uniforms or bright yellow protective suits, talked to another group of preschool-aged children, next to the fire engine.
“I like their pink shirts,” commented Carly Woodruff, age 4. She also said she enjoyed being lifted up and sitting on the high seat of the ladder truck cab.
Firefighter Donan also climbed to the very top of the tall ladder, extended 100 ft. from the ground into the air. He paused a few times for cheers of encouragement from the youngsters watching below.
“My favorite part was when he climbed up the ladder,” added Gabrielle Castro, also age 4.
The firefighters also passed out coloring books to the children attending the YMCA Child Development Center and discussed ways to be healthy and active, in addition to fire safety. The firefighters of Stations #12 and #14 visited the preschool facility as part of Fire Safety Awareness Month.
