Behind the Badge
In recognition of national Fire Prevention Week, 120 fourth-graders from Edison Elementary School in Anaheim on Wednesday hosted Anaheim Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Rusty Coffelt along with personnel from Station 1 for a special assembly.
Coffelt was at Edison to speak about this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.”
The concept of fire safety is something Edison students take seriously.
Nearly a year ago, 10 adults and 40 children, many of whom attend Edison, were displaced by a horrific three-alarm fire that ravaged a two-story apartment complex a few blocks away on Benmore Lane.
Anaheim Fire & Rescue’s Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Rusty Coffelt stands with 9-year-old Carlos Bermejo, whose home was affected by the Benmore Lane apartment complex fire last November, at Edison Elementary School on Wednesday.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Anaheim Fire & Rescue, along with personnel from the Fullerton Fire Department and Orange County Fire Authority, worked together to extinguish the blaze.
“We know it is really important to listen to a message about fire safety,” said Linda Wagner, Anaheim Elementary School District superintendent. “(Firefighters) made a huge difference, particularly in this neighborhood.”
Carlos, a fourth-grader, and his family were among those who were displaced after the fire.
While talking to the students, Coffelt asked Carlos if the smoke alarm in his bedroom went off during the blaze.
Carlos said no.
“Luckily, Carlos and his family were safe, but if smoke alarms don’t work, they can’t help anybody,” Coffelt told the youngsters.
Anaheim Fire & Rescue isn’t taking the chance that residents won’t be able to escape safely if fire struck again, so every student at the assembly was given a free smoke alarm, along with instructions on how to install it.
Families who aren’t able to install the smoke detectors could have Anaheim Fire & Rescue personnel come to their home and do it for free.
The youngsters also were encouraged to check the batteries in all other smoke detectors in their houses.
“It is so important to have a smoke alarm in every single bedroom in your house,” said Elsa Covarrubias, Anaheim Fire & Rescue Community Engagement Manager.
The students also were given red fire helmets to wear and given the title of honorary firefighters.
“Now you represent us,” Coffelt said.
Students from Edison Elementary School receive free smoke alarms, fire prevention education packets and fire helmets as Anaheim Fire & Rescue visits the Anaheim school for national Fire Prevention Week.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Rusty Coffelt, deputy chief/fire marshal for Anaheim Fire & Rescue, stands with 9-year-old Carlos Bermejo, whose home was affected by the Benmore Lane apartment complex fire last November.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kids from Edison Elementary School hold up their free smoke alarms and fire prevention education packets.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Linda Wagner, superintendent for Anaheim Elementary School District, right, stands with 9-year-old Carlos Bermejo, whose home was affected by the Benmore Lane apartment complex fire last November, as Anaheim Fire & Rescue officials and others look on.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Anaheim Fire & Rescue’s Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Rusty Coffelt talks to 9-year-old Edison Elementary School students Andres Tlatempa, left, and Omar Calderon about the importance of installing smoke alarms.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
