Kids are taught to handle trouble

Austin Filiault, 9, of Lanesborough, proceeds with the demeanor of a real firefighter while attending the Lanesborough Volunteer Fire Department’s Fire Safety Camp. (Photo by Holly Pelczynski / Berkshire Eagle Staff Saturday, August 01

By Jenn Smith
Updated: 08/01/2009 07:25:21 AM EDT


LANESBOROUGH -- If you saw children running from smoke, manning fire hoses and donning fire gear at the Lanesborough Volunteer Fire Department recently: Do not be alarmed.
These children won't be responding to the latest house fire or report of a kitten stuck in a tree. But they are now trained to handle emergency situations calmly and safely.

On Thursday and Friday, the department hosted its first two-day Fire Safety Training Camp, a free program offered for local students ages 8 to 12.

The camp itself was designed for kids, by a kid, Nick Garrity. The 10-year-old son of deputy fire chief Butch Garrity proposed the idea last summer.

"I thought it could be important and I thought people could find it interesting and learn that [being a firefighter] is more than going out on calls," Nick Garrity said.

Nick Garrity being backed up by Devin Truden
After some more arm-twisting, some donations of funding from some local business, and the help of some adult volunteers, young Garrity saw his vision become a reality this week.

"This is the most awesome thing I did this summer," said Jaqi Byrnes, 10, after getting the opportunity to help wash a fire truck and play in the water.

"It's so awesome. I think I might actually be a firefighter when I grow up," said Tessa Christman, 10.

During the two-day experience, the campers took classes on fire safety and responding to an emergency medical situation. They watched educational videos and



used real firefighting equipment to practice putting out simulated fires.
"It was the perfect opportunity to educate the children in the town," said Kirsten Hoffstedt, who helped organize the activities.

Mary Reilly, a firefighter who also teaches at St. Mark School in Pittsfield, taught some of the classes.

"For these older kids, it's reinforcement. They can have fun and learn some new skills too," Reilly said.

On Thursday night, the students had homework: To go home and create a family escape plan for their own homes.

"It's good to know in case you find yourself in a fire situation," said Ori Lazarevic, 10, whose father is also a firefighter.

On Friday, they met with guest presenters who talked to them about drug and alcohol safety, and outdoor, wilderness and water safety. A graduation celebration followed.

Said Butch Garrity, "I hope they come away with an awareness and appreciation of fire safety and what it's really like to be a firefighter."