Poland elementary students share notes of thanks with firefighters
POLAND
Over the past month, Western Reserve Joint Fire District members spent quite a bit of time at Poland schools for Fire Prevention Month.
On Friday, a group of kindergarten, first- and second-grade students from Union Elementary returned the favor: They stopped by the Main Street fire station – forming a small parade down Main Street on the way – to personally deliver 300-plus thank-you cards to the firefighters.
“I will tell you, we appreciate everything you do for us,” Union Principal Michael Masucci told fire department members. He sent notes earlier this month encouraging students to make cards at home and bring them to the school. The response was great, he said.
Masucci’s message was echoed in most of the hand-drawn cards submitted by students.
“Thank you for all that you do,” read one card with a picture of a fire engine and spotted dog.
Another read: “Thank you for helping our community.”
Katie Lyda wrote, “Thank you, firefighters, for coming when there’s a fire.”
The students who participated gave their own card to a firefighter.
For Ireland O’Hara, 5, her choice was easy: Her grandfather, Bill O’Hara, is the fire district’s fire-prevention officer.
After delivering their cards, students shared a pizza snack – donated by Cocca’s – with the department.
For many youngsters, the highlight seemed to be what happened next: a tour of the station, and a close-up look at one of the trucks. Jumping up and down giddily, a few kids were in awe of the red behemoths.
“It’s cool,” student Lilly Trolio said shyly about the station.
Her homemade card read, “Thank you for your bravery for fighting fires.”
“This is fantastic. Thank you so much for coming down here to do this,” O’Hara, smiling, told the group.