Click on the above image for more photos of the Mound Fire Department's visits.

October 10, 2024 — Fire Prevention Week is observed each year in early October. The occasion provided a great opportunity for Westonka’s kindergartners at both Hilltop and Shirley Hills primary schools to learn about fire safety.

The annual visits with the fire department are important for the kindergarten students. They learn about fire safety at home, what to do if there is a fire, and importantly, how children should not be scared if a firefighter is trying to help them. They get to look at the gear that firefighters wear and learn about how it works.

Mound firefighter Darren Poikonen has been coming to Hilltop for many years. During this year’s visit on Oct.3, he brought the kindergartners out to truck #29, the Mound Fire Department rescue truck, and showed them the equipment used to help people in cars, medical kits, and tools to break down doors and windows. The students also had the chance to sit in the truck and explore the cab.

Shirley Hills kindergartners had the chance to visit the Mound Fire Station on October 2. They tried on helmets, checked out the fire hoses, explored a couple of fire trucks, and learned how to be fire safe.

The schools appreciate the support of the Mound Fire Department in providing this important program.