By FireRescue1 Staff
BURLINGTON, Wash. —A group of firefighters took a break from battling blazes to read to children.
Skagit Valley Herald reported that Burlington Fire Chief Levon Yengoyan and Burlington Public Library Director Sarah Ward created a four-week event where firefighters read stories to kids while teaching them about fire safety.
“It was funny to see these fearless, brave heroes getting a little nervous to read to children,” Ward said.
Chief Yengoyan said the firefighters have enjoyed the event.
“We’re always trying to serve the community, not just when they dial 911,” he said.
The event began with a librarian leading the group in song and dance before the firefighters read books to everyone.
“The best part was the dancing,” 11-year-old Samantha Cecenn said. “It was really funny watching the firefighters try to dance.”
Ward said the library taught the firefighters how to work with the children and keep them engaged while teaching them about fire safety, and the library has seen attendance double since the first time the firefighters read to the kids.
“The fire department has really been making an effort to reach out and educate,” Chief Yengoyan said. “When groups come to tour the station, we’re not just showing them around, we’re educating them at the same time.”
The children who attend the events are entered into a raffle, and the winner will get to ride in a fire truck and have a birthday party at the fire station.