Young Lakers take a ride on the fire truck

“When they see the sirens and lights, they will understand what they have to do – and maybe help their parents understand as well,” said Sylvan Lake Firefighter Bob McDougall during theCommunity Helpers Firefighter Day put on by Parent Link at the Community Centre.

The event, held on Friday, July 22, was put on in order to educate children ages 0-5, not only have a understanding of fire safety, but also not be afraid when they see and hear the firetruck drive by in their neighbourhoods.

“We try to show the kids that the Fire Department is here to help them under any circumstance,” McDougall said. “We like to show them that there is nothing to be afraid of.”

Lakeview Parent Link Early Learning Centre Supervisor Giselle Campbell said that the event is part of the Community Helpers event series which are free, fun activities for families that run all year long.

“It is open to all parents that want to come experience play-based programs,” Campbell said.

The play of this day included allowing to “touch, feel and smell” the fire truck according to Campbell in order to help “explain the importance of firefighting and what we need to do.”

McDougall added, “We try to give them a little imagination about different parts of the truck and something they can walk away and be happy with.”

“Next time we see them, hopefully they will remember the stuff we showed them,” he said.

Campbell added that this information is not just important to the kids but also to families, parents and caregivers as well.

“We can educate the parents, who then pass it on to their children – which helps the greater community as a whole,” she said, adding that anyone in the area of the Community Centre can also benefit from this programming.

Campbell added that Community Helpers runs several different programs for families which are all drop-in and that they are open to all parents that want to come experience play-based programs.

If you would like more information on Parent Link’s Community Helper programs, you can contact Parent Link at 403 887 1137.

McDougall added that the Fire Department tries to get children involved as young as possible in order to better understand what the Fire Department does for the Town of Sylvan Lake.

reporter@sylvanlakenews.com