Fire Department visits Library to teach awareness

BY Aprile McKinnon

Canyon Lake Fire Department Chief Jeff LaTendresse and other fire department leaders showed up at the Canyon Lake Library last week to delight and educate the younger members of the community during Fire Awareness Week.

The Fire Department arrived in full force, including Fire Captain Tim O’Marra, Fire Engineer/Paramedic Nate Garcia and Fire Engineer Chico Sanchez, to showcase their glistening red fire truck and an array of engaging Canyon Lake Junior Firefighter merchandise. Children were allowed to sit in the front seat of the engine and were given eye-catching bright pink and red fire helmets, innovative heat-activated color-changing pencils, pencil sharpeners resembling miniature fire extinguishers, and vivid Fire Awareness coloring books.

Vincent, 4, and Alice Khounchanh, 2, hop up into the driver’s seat of the Canyon Lake Fire Department Engine 1 during the department’s visit to the Canyon Lake Library last week. Photo by Jillian Boileau

Then everybody went inside for story time. Captain Tim narrated an enthralling tale of Sparky the Fire Dog while his captivated audience of kids and parents gathered around him.

Engineer/Paramedic Nate, with skill and precision, demonstrated the meticulous process a firefighter goes through to put on their personal protective equipment. The children witnessed firsthand that despite the initially intimidating appearance of a firefighter in their protective gear, a friendly face remains beneath it all.

Concluding the visit outside, Fire Engineer Chico provided the children with an up-close encounter with the firefighting equipment aboard the engine. Each child had the unique opportunity to climb into the fire truck and explore its intricate features. This special event left a lasting impression on the young patrons, fostering a deeper understanding of the vital role Canyon Lake Fire Department plays in their community.