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Firefighters featured at hero hangout
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Neighbors | Amanda TonoliWestern Reserve Fire District inspector and fire education specialist Bill O’Hara (right) explained fire detection systems to students at the Poland library on Aug. 4.
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Neighbors | Amanda Tonoli.The Poland library hosted Hangout with Heroes: Firefighters at the Library on Aug. 4 with some real-life superheroes, the Western Reserve Fire District firefighters.
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Neighbors | Amanda TonoliStudents got the opportunity to talk to real-life superheroes at Hangout with Heroes: Firefighters at the Library on Aug. 4 at the Poland library. Pictured is Bill O’Hara (front right) handing out fire hats to his group of prospective firefighters.
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Neighbors | Amanda TonoliValentino DelBoccio came to the Poland library on Aug. 4 for Hangout with Heroes: Firefighters at the Library to learn about fire safety.
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Neighbors | Amanda TonoliBill O’Hara (back), Western Reserve Fire District inspector and fire education specialist, demonstrated fire safety gear with the help of volunteer Ella Shaulis (front) at the Poland library on Aug. 4.
By AMANDA TONOLI
On Aug. 4, parents and children at the Poland library had the opportunity to meet and speak with firefighters from the Western Reserve Fire District.
Western Reserve Fire District inspector and fire education specialist Bill O’Hara came to the library to educate children about fire safety, tell them about a fireman’s duties, show students the gear they have to wear while working and have some fun with treats he brought with him.
Librarian Annette Ahrens said she was happy to see all the children enjoying themselves while meeting some real-life superheroes.
“This teaches them about fire safety,” Ahrens said. “I like that it kind of makes them not afraid of firemen in their uniforms.”
Gwen McConnell brought her niece, Ella Shaulis, to the library to check out some books to get ready for kindergarten.
McConnell said she didn’t even know this event was going on, but was happy she caught it, agreeing with Ahrens about the importance of being familiar with a fireman’s uniform.
“Kids need to be comfortable with their firemen in case there was ever an emergency,” McConnell said.
Amanda Kollar, another librarian for the Poland library, said this event just fit in so perfectly with the Summer Discovery Theme — superheroes.
“Not all superheroes are made up,” Kollar said. “It’s wonderful that they [the children] are getting to see them from their community.”