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Firetrucks and firefighters add spark to Read 'n' Rhyme

Instead of enjoying Read’n’Rhyme at the Stettler Public Library on Thursday, Aug. 25, children headed over to Stettler fire hall.
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Firefighter Steve Maruk stands with Tristin Marcellus

Instead of enjoying Read’n’Rhyme at the Stettler Public Library on Thursday, Aug. 25, children headed over to Stettler fire hall and get acquainted with the Stettler District Fire and Rescue.

There, volunteer firefighter Teresa Baltimore taught them about fire safety, before Deputy Fire Chief Etienne Brugman took them outside to see the fire trucks up close and in person.

Children were able to take turns with firefighters Steve Maruk and Justin Tanner and, using small firehoses, knocked over several plastic containers.

The sunny, warm day lent itself to an enjoyable day for all, though some of the children became shy and nervous when it was their turn to spray the hose.

Seeing the firefighters in their full rescue gear is important, according to Brugman.

“This way they’re not fearful,” he said. He explained that in an emergency, a firefighter can look terrifying to a young child because of all the emergency gear the face mask, the helmet, the coat and the oxygen tanks on the back.

“This way, they know we’re good,” Brugman explained. “They come to us rather than cower.”