School Highlights

Press Release

Fire Prevention Week October 5-11, 2003

By: Ann McCall

Public Information Coordinator

Franklin Township Board of Education

732-873-2400 Ext. 290

Anthony Panchery, Fire Inspector for the Franklin Township Fire Prevention Department, returns to his old elementary school on Friday, October 10^th. Anthony grew up in Franklin Township and attended Pine Grove Manor and Conerly Road Elementary Schools, Sampson G. Smith Middle School and is a graduate of the Franklin High School class of 1995. He has been a firefighter in the Township of Franklin for the past 8 years, and has been with the Fire Prevention Department for the last 2 years.

Franklin Township Public Schools recognize Fire Prevention Week every October, and the schools welcome the township fire departments and firefighters during that week. Friday October 10^th was Pine Grove Manor School’s turn to learn about fire prevention, fire safety and to meet the local firemen. Principal Jerry Crowley welcomed fire trucks from the East Franklin Fire Department, Community Fire Department on Hamilton Street and firemen from the Fire Prevention Department of Franklin Township. Surprise guest Sparky the fire safety dog showed up to interact with the kids as well.

The children were able to see first hand what the firefighters use when they are called to fires, and the equipment and special clothing they wear to protect themselves. One of the firefighters put on all the clothing and equipment including the special mask they wear to demonstrate to the kids that they do not need to be afraid of the firemen when they are dressed in their gear, and to make sure they do not hide from the firemen if they have a fire in their house.

The Smoke House from the Fire Prevention Department was also available, and the classes were able to take turns going into the Smoke House, get instructions on what to do if there is a fire and how to get out of the house safely. When the alarm went off inside the smoke house, the children filed out and went to their “meeting place” that was prearranged by the firemen.

Fire Prevention Week in Franklin Township is the official kick off for the Franklin Township Fire Safety Poster Contest. The theme of this years contest is “When Fire Strikes: Get Out! Stay Out!” All Children in grades 1 through 8 are eligible for the contest, and the deadline for this year’s contest is December 17, 2003.

1^st through 3rd place winners will be awarded a US Savings Bond, and the Grand Prize overall winner will receive a ride to school on a Fire Truck in addition to a Savings Bond.

The winning posters of the Franklin Township Contest will then be submitted to Somerset County for consideration in the NJ State Poster Contest.

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