First responders pay special visit to ESD.

Deputy Adam Clauveau shows the children some of his protective gear.

First responders pay special visit to ESD.

West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press.

Story by Kim Beardslee, MCP/OCP correspondent. Photos by Rob Alway, editor-in-chief.

AMBER TOWNSHIP — October is Fire Safety month. This past week, West Shore Educational Service District (WSESD) organized a first responders meet and greet for students who attend school at the WSESD Developmental Center. The event was coordinated by WSESD special education teacher Jackie Becker and staff. Prior to bringing the students outside for this experience Becker explained to the responders that the purpose of the event is to build relationships with emergency response personnel. First responders from Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Scottville Police Department, Ludington Police Department, Scottville Fire Department, and Life EMS were represented.  

Paramedic/Supervisor Jim Herrema of Life EMS talks about the ambulance.

Enrolled students from the WSESD Developmental Center are composed of children with significant learning challenges, social-emotional needs and mobility barriers, who often do not experience community events in which first responders are present.  Nineteen students from ages 5 to 25 were able to interact with the represented staff and access the emergency vehicles. Emergency staff shared badge stickers and answered numerous questions regarding the vehicles and equipment.

Firefighter Tyler Haner of Scottville Fire Department wore the gear that firemen wear when responding to emergency calls.  He explained and demonstrated to the students how firemen’s gear allows for communication and how they breathe when entering a smoking building. Students were allowed to handle some of the basic gear, including wearing a fireman’s helmet.

A member of the Mason County Sheriff Department shared that, “The more outreach we can have with students with learning challenges the better outcome is expected when an emergency does occur”. Another officer stated that the event was beneficial for the emergency staff, as well as the students, as responders will be more prepared to interact with this student population.  At the conclusion of the event responders were given thank you bags containing gifts that had been contributed by local businesses and Wesco popcorn.

Scottville firefighter Tyler Haner shows students firefighting gear.

Ludington Police Department School Resource Officer Austin Morris talks about his police vehicle.

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