Poland fuels fire safety efforts
Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Western Reserve Fire District's Bill O'Hara, inspector and fire education specialist, stands with the station's new trailer. It was purchased for $5,300 and made its first public appearance in the Celebrate Poland parade.
Fire prevention education in Poland has been raised to a new level with the addition of a service vehicle made specifically for storing learning aids.
Poland’s Bill O’Hara, Western Reserve Fire District, has been working as the station’s inspector and fire education specialist for more than four years. Over the years, he has accumulated several training aids and props that are used in his fire prevention classes.
He said the way adults view fire safety is different from kids’ perspective. It must be taught through different techniques.
“I believe in hands-on learning, especially with the kids,” O’Hara said.
Lugging large educational props to and from the station can become quite tedious. O’Hara said storing the items had also become problematic.
Realizing the issue of transporting the aids and the space allotted for storage, the fire district bought a 16-foot long trailer to eliminate the issue.
It was purchased for $5,300 and has the station’s mascot, Blaze the Fire Dog, along with the station’s emblem, on its sides. It is the station’s first trailer.
The fire prevention trailer made its debut in the Celebrate Poland parade and will be on-site today during the festivities. Children and adults can stop by to see the station’s newest addition and learn about fire prevention and safety.
O’Hara said he is available to make special appearances with the trailer during fire prevention month in October for local organizations and groups. For information, contact O’Hara at 330-757-8268.