More than
1,100 first graders did "YMCA" during
the opening of the 17th annual Fire Safety Fair
at Betty Ross Park in Lincolnton. Photo by Jon Mayhew/The Carolina
Scoop
RAIN
DOESN'T DAMPEN SPIRITS AT ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY FAIR Exclujsive vide of
the kids doing "YMCA" and "The
Twist" during the opening ceremonies of the
fair.
By
Jon Mayhew
LINCOLNTON
-- More than 1,100 first graders invaded
Betty Ross Park Wednesday morning to learn about
fire and life safety at the annual Fire Safety
Fair.
Lincolnton
firefighters were joined by Lincoln EMS and
Lincoln Life Saving Crew, as well as firefighters
from other departments across Lincoln County, to
teach the students about fire safety and how to
survive a fire.
According to
Captain Bill Fortenberry with the Lincolnton Fire
Department, the Fire Safety Fair is part of
National Fire Prevention Week. Fortenberry
coordinated the event that featured John
"Johnny B." Barkley and Johnny B.'s
Beach and Boogie.
"It's the
seventeenth annual event," said Fortenberry.
"Every first grade class from the county is
out here, including the charter schools and a
couple of private schools."
(Left photo) Lincolnton
Police's cruiser was on hand, giving kids an
insight into police work. (Right photo) Activity
busses from across Lincoln County brought eager
five and six year olds to learn about fire safety
Wednesday. Photos by Jon Mayhew/The
Carolina Scoop
Fortenberry said
different organizations conducted safety programs
to teach children the importance of fire safety.
"Fire,
police and EMS are conducting safety talks,"
said Fortenberry. "It's all about
education."
Programs
included how to stop, drop and roll and how to
call 911.
(Left photo) Sgt.
Jordan Cody with the Lincoln County Sheriff's
Office opens the annual event with the National
Anthem. (Right photo) Johnny B., of Johnny B.'s
Beach and Boogie, "monkey's around"
with the children. Photos by Jon Mayhew/The
Carolina Scoop
Organizers were
hoping the rain would hold off; however, the
rains came shortly after John Barkley, fire
fighting engineer with Lincolnton and disc jockey
extrordinaire, pumped up the crowd of children
and adults alkie with "YMCA" and
"The Chicken Dance."
"If you
need to get under some shelter, there are tents
for you to do so," Barkley told the crowd.
"Eventually, the rain will let up."
Barkley's
prediction came true.
Exclusive video with Lincolnton Fire
Department's Captain Bill Fortenberry on the Fire
Safety Fair. Video by The Carolina Scoop's
Jon Mayhew
After the kids
got to talk to firefighters, see the North
Carolina forestry service helicopter and
experience the Lincoln County fire fighter's
smokehouse, it was time for a hot dog lunch that
was prepared and served by emergency services
personnel.
Iron Station
Elementary principal Bobby Harkey spent a lot of
time taking pictures of his students getting
hands-on exposure to firefighters and the fire
apparatuses they use.
(Left photo) Students
learn the inner-workings of emergency services.
(Right photo) The students enjoyed the state fire
service's helicopter. Photos by Jon Mayhew/The
Carolina Scoop
"There's
not a lot of stuff that can hurt a child, but a
fire can," said Harkey.
Harkey said
first grade is the right age to give kids
exposure to firefighters and the difficult work
they do on a daily basis.
"It gives
the kids the opportunity to see the firefighters
that put their lives on the line everyday,"
said Harkey. "The kids are very
impressionable at this age, and they've pretty
much decided what they want to do."
The event
wrapped up around 1 p.m., according to
organizers.
(Left photo) Students
learned the inner workings of a fire apparatus.
(Right photo) Firefighters served the children a
hot dog lunch. Photos by Jon Mayhew/The
Carolina Scoop
