IN Canon-Mac Spring 2020 | Page 52

Citizens Fire Academy 2019 / 2020 2019 CLASS October 9, 2019, launched a 7-week joint program between the Peters Township and North Strabane Township Fire Departments, and the Citizens Fire Academy. The program is designed to increase awareness of emergency and non-emergency services provided by both fire departments. The awareness gained by students provides a greater understanding of the organizations and the relationship between the two townships, financial and human resource needs, and requirements by members of the fire department. The program insisted of six, 3-hour classes that highlighted various functions of fire department operations. For practical sessions, students wore firefighting protective equipment. The first class was all classroom instruction and included presentations on fire department history and administration functions. The second class focused on the fire, fire behavior, extinguishers and then an overview of the “Engine Company” with hands-on practical evolutions of using a fire extinguisher, flowing water from a hose line, and a walk around working fire engine. The third class highlights were a breakdown of the firefighter protective equipment, breathing apparatus and functions of the “Truck Company”. Hands- on of this class included a search evolution, wearing the breathing apparatus, forcible entry using a simulator and operations of the aerial apparatus. The fourth class focused on rescue operations. The majority of this evening was practical hands-on with vehicle rescue, utilizing hydraulic rescue tools, rope rescue, and patient packaging. This night, specifically, it rained and students were shown what members have to do when weather conditions are not ideal. The fifth class took a trip to the Washington County 911 center and showed students how the center operates. Students then stopped at Canonsburg Hospital and visited Life flight #. The North Strabane Fire Department School Program The crew explained how the aircraft and patient care operations are handled. The sixth class focused on fire department medical operations, CPR and Stop the Bleed. The final class consisted of a graduation ceremony and dinner. 2019 PROGRAM OUTCOME The feedback from both students and staff were very positive. The program had an impact on three students who joined their respective fire departments, one to Peters and two to North Strabane. Those students, now members, have begun their firefighter training to become active members of the fire department. 2020 CLASS With the success of the 2019 class, the program is planned to run in 2020 also. After student and staff feedback, the program is tentatively going to begin in early to mid-September and run for 7-8 weeks. For more information on the program visit https://www.peters- northstrabanecfa.com and follow the Peters and North Strabane Township Citizens Fire Academy on Facebook. Recently “A” Platoon visited Wylandville Elementary to spend time with the kindergarten students and read “Sparky the Fire Dog” to the class. The North Strabane Fire Department prides itself on its Fire Prevention Program and the relation it continues to foster with the Canon Mac School District. The Department is in the Township Schools monthly to participate in fire drills and often takes time to visit the individual classrooms of the kindergarten through second grade students. This is primarily handled by our Prevention Platoon or “A” Platoon. 2020 North Strabane Township Pavement Maintenance Project ROAD FROM Meadowbrook Drive Route 19 Carriage Court Surrey Drive Surrey Drive Linden Creek Road Ross Road South Spring Valley Road Clare Drive Cul-de-sac Louise Court Clare Drive Joan Court Clare Drive Pearl Drive Clare Drive 50 NORTH STRABANE TO McBride Road Terminus Terminus Thomas Road Cul-de-sac Loop Loop Giffin Avenue ROAD FROM Surrey Woods Drive Fair Meadows Drive Linda Court Surrey Woods Drive Coachside Drive Mapleview Drive Royal Court Meadowbrook Drive Royal Drive Meadowbrook Drive Countryside Court Meadowbrook Drive Winners Circle Meadowbrook Drive TO Surrey Drive Cul-de-sac Meadowridge Drive Cul-de-sac Cul-de-sac Cul-de-sac Cul-de-sac