Page 12 - Thunderbolt Nov. 2 2016

12 November 2016 NEWS Thunderbolt
Parade, open house cap off fire prevention week
www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb
http://www.luke.af.mil
Story and photo by Senior Airman DEVANTE WILLIAMS
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. —
With sirens blasting throughout the base, families greeted the men and women of the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Emergency Services as they made their way to the fire station for an open house, the last event in a week-long series of events in observance of National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 10 through 15.
“Fire prevention week gives us the opportunity to teach and encourage fire safety in the house,” said Douglas Smith, 56th CES fire inspector. “The theme this year is ‘Don’t Wait, Check the Date.’ Many lives can be saved by having a functional smoke detector.”
The day started with a parade around base and through housing that featured fire trucks and Sparky the Fire Dog.
“All of the events leading to the parade and open house are a part of National Fire Prevention Week,” said Master Sgt. Rene Garza, 56th Civil Engineer Squad- ron firefighter. “Our goal was to get the word out about fire prevention in the communities and encourage fire safety in the house.”
The fire station open house was avail-
able to the public and featured free food, displays, demonstrations and games for children.
“The open house is more for the kids,” said Senior Airman Eric Price, 56th CES firefighter. “When they see us in our gear, we don’t want them to be afraid. That’s why we have our equipment on display. This way when the kids see us, they know we’re there to help.”
From demonstrations showing kids how to use a fire extinguisher to step-by- step instructions on stop-drop-and-roll, this year’s open house catered to helping children understand fire prevention.
“Overall the day was a success,” said Airman 1st Class Andrew Garcia, 56th CES firefighter. “It was great to see both kids and parents get involved in the demonstrations. We hope everyone had a great time and will spread the word of fire safety in their communities.”
NFPW began in 1920 when President Woodrow Wilson declared Oct. 9 as Na- tional Fire Prevention Day. The day was chosen because of its historic connection to the Great Chicago Fire, which took place Oct. 8 and 9, 1871, and took 300 lives, left 300,000 people homeless and destroyed more than 17,500 buildings.
For more information on fire preven- tion, call the Fire Prevention Office at 623-856-7350.

Squadron Child Development Center at Luke Air Force Base. Sparky educated children

ElliottHomes.com
“Like” us on Facebook: Elliott Homes Phoenix
A special 1%
Thank you... discount* TO OUR NATION’S HEROES AND THEIR FAMILIES!
ELLIOTT HOMES COMMUNITIES
Granite Vista (Near Luke AFB)
Northern Avenue & Cotton Lane 623-217-2670
GRAND OPENING SEPT. 10TH
Avalon Estates (Avondale)
107th Avenue & Thomas Road 480-831-9200
Riverwalk Estates (Laveen)
57th Avenue & Southern Avenue 602-237-2603
Call, click or come by today!
* 1% discount off base price of any home. Some restrictions may apply. Limited time offer. Features, amenities and pricing subject to change without notice. Photos may not represent actual home for sale. Subdivision Public Report available at www.re.state.az.us
ROC# 51293