Staff Report

Fire Academy for Kids is a five-day participatory program for children ages 6- 12, to be held at Batesville Fire Department’s Station #2, located at 102 Woodland Dr. (behind Sonic) June 17-21.

The academy will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. It is open to the public on a first come, first serve basis and to children that have not previously attended.

Children will develop life safety skills, fire safety skills and first aid skills through classroom activities, hands-on training and homework. They are also introduced up close and personal to firefighters and other emergency works, the equipment they use and the jobs they perform.

“Fire Academy for Kids” is designed with a few goals in mind: to in crease children’s knowledge on first aid, fire and life safety skills, and to provide them with a better appreciation to all Emergency workers and their often-dangerous job.

The U.S. has the highest fire death rate of all industrialized nations and of all 50 states; Mississippi has the highest fire death rate! Public education is critical in reducing these deadly statistics.

Over the years Batesville Fire Department has provided the community with fire safety education and these programs have grown into professionally tailored safety programs for daycares, schools, church groups, apartment complexes, retirement communities, service and social clubs, and others.

Fire Academy for Kids could be a costly program for the fire department budget; however, a partnership has been developed with the Batesville Jr. Auxiliary which eased many problems.

The Batesville Jr. Auxiliary provides daily snacks, and a lunch after graduation on Thursday. The auxiliary also provides helpers and support, which by far is the best help they can given.

This program benefits children and their immediate families with life-saving safety information, and provides them with an increased knowledge of the professional and caring attitude of their highly trained and competent Batesville firefighters and other emergency workers.

It also shows them the caring attitude of the Batesville Jr. The ability of different community and state/local agencies to work together. This ability provides a quality service, which improves the livability of Batesville.

The goal of the Fire Academy for Kids is simple: prevented fires, prevented injuries and prevented deaths.

To enroll your child, pick up an application at Fire Station #2 or City Hall, after Monday, April 8, complete and mail to the Batesville Fire Department, P.O. Box 689, Batesville, MS 38606 or drop off where you picked up the application.

Deadline for applications is Friday, May 3. Children must have completed application on file and been notified of acceptance before attending.

An official from the department will notify parents by phone of acceptance.

After the first 25 cadets have been accepted, the others will go on standby in order of receipt and pulled from to fill any vacancies.

Before completing application, please make sure child can attend if accepted. For more information, contact James Snyder at 563-6612.