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Station earns award for safety education
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Neighbors| Eartha Terrell.Western Reserve Fire Safety Educator Bill O'Hara (left) was awarded by Fire Safety Coordinator Clyde “Wayne” Bulgar for his fire safety teaching excellence June 11.
By EARTHA TERRELL
Firefighters at the Western Reserve fire station were awarded with a plaque for their excellence in fire safety education June 11.
“It’s always good to be recognized,” said Fire Safety Educator Bill O’Hara.
Although O’Hara was pleased to receive the honor, he was more excited to know that more children were being exposed to fire safety and prevention.
“The kids need to learn about fire safety and the best way to learn is hands-on because they remember better,” said O’Hara.
The Western Reserve fire station has worked with the National Fire Safety Council to provide programs for children to increase their knowledge of the importance of fire safety. Each summer, the National Fire Safety Council sends out letters throughout the community seeking donations to provide materials for first and second-grade students. Programs have also been put in place to help students become more familiar with the fireman in the Poland community.
“I want the kids to know the firemen are their friend and are always there to help,” said O’Hara.
Fire Safety Coordinator Clyde “Wayne” Bulger was pleased to honor O’Hara and even more excited that students were receiving such a wealth of information.
“It gives us a sense of accomplishment. We love our work. It’s rewarding when we see a child in the paper who has rescued an adult out of a home because of what they’ve been taught,” Bulger said.