Firefighters ignite smiles at school

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TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – Fifth-graders at Violet Avenue School celebrated their last day in elementary school by playing kickball against members of the Fairview Fire Department, headquartered just up the street from the school.

 

With a backdrop of a fire engine and a ladder truck, the underclassmen watched the school’s Class of 2021 defeat the professional firefighters, members of IAFF Local 2623, and their Chief, Tim Ginack, in the traditional playground game of kickball.

 

Noting that the students have had a challenging time during the past 17 months because of COVID, the firefighters were happy to interact with the kids that they have come to know over the past five years.  “We are here every year during fire prevention week and have developed a relationship with the kids,” said one firefighter, adding “We haven’t been able to visit with the kids for several months and we’re glad we got to see them before they head to Haviland Middle School next year.”

Firefighter TyrellBaity took the mound in the loss to the kids.

 

The game is the fourth annual challenge that started when Sean Rigothi arrived at Violet Avenue as a physical education teacher.  His colleagues that were watching the game said Rigothi’s approach with students is well-received and the kids really respond well to him.  “This is a culminating activity for our fifth graders as they prepare to leave Violet Avenue.  The lifting of restrictions allowed us to get together with the firefighters they like, one more time,” said Rigothi. “The Fairview Fire Department is always available and we really appreciate their help.”

 

Fairview Fire Captain Justin Bohlmann and his crew were all smiles after losing the match.  “These kids, like all children, have had a tough year.  When given the chance, we all jumped at the chance to show up and bring them something to smile about, because the Fairview Fire District is here for our community around the clock, every day of the year, in good times and emergencies.”




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