Alumni Firefighters Visit C.R. Applegate Elementary School

On Wednesday, October 17th, the East Freehold Fire Company visited C. Richard Applegate School to educate the kindergarten, first and second grade students about fire safety. Among the visiting Firefighters were three former Applegate students; Joseph Panzarino, Richard Frascati, and Tyler Whelan. In addition, Chief Dave Goldstein, First Lieutenant Michael Murray and Applegate parent David Simon were in attendance.

The demonstration began with each grade level convened in the outdoor classroom for an instructional session. During this time, the firefighters emphasized the importance of practicing safety drills at home with their families just like we do at school, and that a specific meeting place needs to be identified.  Firefighter Panzarino suited up in full gear including his oxygen mask, to familiarize the students as to what they look like when they are responding to a fire call. The emphasis was not just to educate the children on the protective equipment, but for children to understand that even though they may look scary, firefighters are their friend and they should never hide from them in the event of a fire. Other important information was shared, such as staying low to the ground, crawling to a window, and to continuously yell for help. 

Following the classroom session, the children were lead to the front of the school where they practiced “stop, drop and roll”. They were able to explore the fire truck as they learned about the many tools that firefighters use.  They even got to stand in the bucket of the ladder truck and watch as the firefighters ascended 100 feet in the air. 

The visit concluded with gifts of fire hats, and water bottles filled with fire safety goodies for each child.  It was an educational and fun-filled experience for all!

Thank you to our local heroes at Station 16-2 for volunteering their time to keeping us safe and for spending a wonderful day at Applegate School!