Local Firefighters Take Show on Road to Teach Fire Safety

WILDWOOD — Before a packed house, students at Glenwood Avenue Elementary School and firefighters from the City of Wildwood along with fire prevention personnel from the Borough of Wildwood Crest set the crowd afire the morning of Oct. 18 with fun, games, music and prizes in order to teach valuable lessons about fire safety.
As part of a cooperative venture between the two municipalities’ fire departments, five puppets made their way onstage to take on a room filled with enthusiastic students in a game of Fire Prevention Jeopardy.
Captain James Grauel of the Wildwood Fire Department stated the use of puppets is effective at grabbing and maintaining a child’s attention, thereby helping the children to grasp the lessons taught.
With three years’ experience under their Muppet-like belts, the five brightly-colored and highly-animated creatures came to school prepared to take on Glenwood Avenue’s best. In the end, however, when the last question had been asked and final jeopardy was answered, it was the students who reigned victorious in mastering this year’s theme – “Prevent Kitchen Fires: Get Cooking with Fire Safety.”
For their victory, all students were treated to prizes including rulers to use in their school work and red, insulated lunch bags.
While it appeared to be all games, students were fed a healthy dose of knowledge.
According to City of Wildwood firefighter Daniel Dunn, the assemblies are targeted for younger school-aged children. “The elementary years are when they set those important lessons,” said Dunn. “It’s great to interact with the kids and they get to interact with local firefighters,” he added.
“This is the third year we’ve had the fire prevention program,” said Glenwood Avenue Elementary School principal John Kummings. “It’s a really good partnership between the school, the city and the borough.”
The show is manned by employees of both municipalities. Workers spend hours and hours of their off time honing their skills as puppeteers and entertainers. Puppeteers Carol Hewett, Diane Kelly, Mariana Hewett, Maryann Frenz, and Grauel each worked behind the scenes bringing life to their puppets. Steve DeRitis served as the master of ceremonies. Technical assistance was provided by Kelly Krisciunas, Mark Barham, Mike Neill, Joyce Gould and Mike Velardo .
“Educating and teaching children to be aware of fire safety has a positive effect in having fewer fires,” said Wildwood Commissioner of Public Safety Tony Leonetti. “We cannot start early enough nor can we stress the importance of basic fire prevention, even at this early age.”