Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania – The 216th Engineer Firefighting Team, assigned to Army Support Activity – Black Sea, orchestrated a 2023 Fire Prevention Week event Oct. 12 at a local primary school here. In a heartwarming and educational initiative, young students, from 1st to 4th grade, gathered to interact with enthusiastic firefighters and get an opportunity to enhance their understanding of fire safety.
The local primary school became the stage for this community relations engagement and marks the first time the Mihail Kogalniceanu (MK) Fire Department goes off post to visit the children in the local environment. The main objective of the day was to strengthen community bonds while empowering the youngest members of the MK community with essential fire safety knowledge.
The event kicked off with a welcome from Lt. Col. Brian Fiddermon, Army Support Activity - Black Sea Garrison Commander.
“This is all about having fun while learning about fire safety, make sure to pay attention so you know how to stay safe from fires,” he said.
Fiddermon then turned the stage over to the star firefighters—Sgt. 1st Class Maxwell Stoltenburg, Staff. Sgt. Chase Hamshire, Sgt. Treaver Skorup and Cpl. Christopher Morales.
The excitement soared as Cpl. Morales showcased the intricate process of gearing up for firefighting duty, explaining the function of each piece of clothing and equipment. The attentive, young audience assisted with cheer and applause.
The event continued with discussions on fire hazards and strategies on how to identify and avoid them. The curious children asked lots of questions, making for great educational exchanges with the U.S. Army firefighters.
An important lesson on safety took center stage as children were introduced to the life-saving technique of Stop, Drop and Roll. This essential drill, designed to empower children to protect themselves and their loved ones in emergencies, found eager participants among the students.
“Back home we do these events very often,” said Sgt. 1st Class Maxwell Stoltenburg. “That’s why we feel that it’s important to bring this message here, to try and make sure that children, from an early age, understand the importance of preventing fire.”
The children not only embraced this critical life skill with open arms but also relished the opportunity to engage in a fun and active outdoor activity. It was a playful yet educational experience that left them not only learning something new but also enjoying the thrill of exercise and play.
The anticipation built as the fire hoses were out and the fire engine was turned on to demonstrate how the fire fighters use the system. Even the school principal, Mrs. Floriana Petre, and the dedicated teachers—Mrs. Adina Giuglea, Mrs. Nicoleta Radu, Mrs. Alina Zugravu, and Mrs. Georgiana Scupra—found themselves immersed in all the youthful energy.
“We are happy to have children engage this way,” said Mrs. Alina Zugravu, second grade teacher. “Learning by doing is the best way to teach lifesaving skills.”
Their guidance ensured a smooth and engaging event, making the teachers an integral part of this safety-focused day.
As the event ended, the school and principal received a certificate of recognition from Lt. Col. Fiddermon, who expressed deep appreciation for the town of MK, and especially its schools, for their enduring support and partnership.
"We are happy and honored to be your neighbors and partners here in Mihail Kogalniceanu," said Principal Petre. "Our doors will always be open to our U.S. partners. I want to thank you for the invaluable lesson the children learned today and to thank our incredible teachers, who participated today, my colleagues, for making it possible."
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