Over 60 students from NFA North were invited to participate in an in-depth learning opportunity at the Cronomer Valley Fire Department in Newburgh this week. Students broke into groups and received tours of the fire house which included a wide range of emergency management equipment, trucks, and learning opportunities.

After lunch, students witnessed firefighters put out a controlled car fire. Afterwards, students rotated among three stations.

Students learned to use a fire extinguisher using the acronym PASS – pull the pin, aim, squeeze, sweep from side to side. Students had an opportunity to extinguish both diesel and brush fires that were lit in a controlled setting.

The next station demonstrated fire hydrants and trucks that carry gallons of water in the event no hydrant is near.

The third station gave students (and their Principal, Mr. Doddo), an opportunity to go up in the bucket ladder – an estimated 90 feet above the ground.

This trip is part of the Emergency Management program at NFA North.

 Students shared their thoughts throughout the day:

“I took Emergency Management because I thought it would help me in life to be a surgeon. When I'm being taught those courses, I will better understand that information after what I’ve been learning at NFA North.” Students shared comments throughout the day. "So many tragedies are happening, it's so important to know what to do in those events happen. I want to be able to be one of those people who can help at the drop of the hat.”

Brianna Hutchison, 10th rade,  Gabbie Vega, 10th grade, Mia Johnson, 10th grade

“It's actually cooler than I expected it to be. There a lot of gadgets and a lot that goes into being an emergency responder.”

“I definitely liked the whole experience - and the demonstrations.”

Steven, 10th grade, Alexander Martinez, 10th grade, Caleb VanZandt 10th grade, Justin Zaimes, 10th grade, Ryan Thompson, 10th grade

“I’m taking this as an elective because I really like it. I’d like to volunteer here after school, so I’m going to look into that. For a career though, I'm going to volunteer here, but I'm looking to be one of the top five cardiologists.” Nerina Mitchell, 10th

NFA Alumni, class of 2006 taught the students throughout the day. “They only had Criminal Justice when I went to NFA. Last year, we went to show off our department when they were promoting their program. I didn’t necessarily want to ‘be this when I grew up.’ I definitely always respected the industry and I recently had some free time and wanted to give back to the community.” AJ Carubia

NFA Alumni, class of 1977 and former NFA Main teacher, Mr. Frank Wolf let students know, “If you're ever asking yourself when you're going to use quadratic equations. This is the time. I graduated in 1977 and didn’t really use that formula until a few years ago when I started volunteering here. Firefighting is a combination of math and engineering.” Mr. Wol taught Shop/Industrial Arts, then Technical Design and Drawing, Engineering, Architecture, and Future Design. His real claim to fame is that he is the previous advisor to Solar Car Team, now called CVRT.

 View pictures from the day here!