Trout Creek students learn about safety from locals

The students of Trout Creek School spent last week learning about safety. Students had the chance to learn about different areas of safety from representatives around the county including those from the forest service and Trout Creek Ambulance. Students also received a visit from detective April Phillips of the Sanders County Sheriff's Office.

Last Thursday, Students spent the morning learning from members of the Thompson Falls Fire Department. Adam Anakalea, Scott Eldridge and David Eldridge, all volunteer firefighters, were quizzed about fire safety from the inquisitive minds of Trout Creek students.

Students also had the chance to learn about two different trucks that were parked out in the school's field, including the department's water tender truck, which can hold up to 4,000 gallons of water.

David Eldridge, who is also a new faculty member at Trout Creek School, has been a volunteer firefighter for one year. "I became a firefighter because I wanted to serve my community," he said. "It's always important for students, or any age, to know about fire safety."

Superintendent Preston Wenz believes safety should be taught as early as possible and says it is the responsibility of educators to continue teaching upon what children have already been taught at home. "Our week was also about establishing a positive relationship with first responders for our students," Wenz said. "Unfortunately, in our society nowadays, some parts of our country teach kids to not like first responders. That is not acceptable and will not happen in Trout Creek. We want our students to know that first responders should be respected and trusted. It also gives our students careers to think about."

The morning concluded with a quick demonstration from the water tender truck, allowing students to see how firefighters help distinguish fires firsthand.