By Kenneth C. Crowe II
The Times-Union
TROY, N.Y. — Nine city elementary school students celebrated Monday afternoon at the city’s fire headquarters.
They were the winners of the annual elementary school fire prevention poster contest sponsored by the Troy Professional Firefighters Association, Local 86.
“It’s a fun way for the kids to learn about fire prevention,” said Lt. Matt Dudek, who oversees the contest.
The winners for this year’s contest are: Arabella Alderman, kindergarten, School 16; Caitland Baker, third grade, Sacred Heart; Spencer Daley, third grade, School 18; Andrea Ordonez, third grade, School 18; Nicole Hoffman, first grade, Carroll Hill; Alexandria Whitehead, second grade, Turnpike; Teagan Breton, second grade, St. Augustine’s; Keira Ahrent, kindergarten, Rensselaer Park; and Michael Cusack, kindergarten, Rensselaer Park.
The children, their parents and grandparents toured the main firehouse at 2175 Sixth Ave. before being treated to a pizza lunch and receiving plaques for their prize-winning work.
Spencer Daley ate lunch with his father, Firefighter Paul Daley, who is assigned to Engine 3 at the Campbell Avenue station.
Spencer said having lunch with his dad was the best part about winning the contest.
“I’m very proud of him,” the elder Daley said.
Alexandria Whitehead was seated next to her father, Donnelly Whitehead.
“Excited. I’m getting a plaque,” the young contest winner said.
Dudek said the children’s excitement about the contest helps get across the message of fire prevention.
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