By Alaina Denean Deshazo
The Selma Times-Journal

Clark Elementary School students were all smiles Wednesday as they danced, laughed and participated in Fire Prevention Month.

Selma Fire Department Battalion Chief James Murphy, Sgt. Terrence Venter and Sgt. Da’Ron Waters were there to teach the children about fire prevention and safety, as well as to just have fun.

“We’ve only had good things come from our fire prevention program,” Waters said.

“We’re all having fun, but at the same time, we’re teaching.”

The department performs skits, talks to the kids about ways to prevent fire, what to do if there is a fire and much more.

“A lot of these kids retain this stuff because we grasp their attention so quickly and they just hold on to what we give them,” Waters said.

“That’s one thing that we enjoy about the kids, that we can teach and have fun at the same time.”

Waters said it really pays off when they hear stories about students using what they were taught during fire prevention.

“Last year alone, a little girl from Edgewood, she saved her whole family and the house because she woke up, she saw fire, she called 9-1-1 and got everybody out of the house,” Waters said.

“That really almost brought the whole department to tears because we know that the hard work that we’re putting out is going noticed.”

One week in October is considered Fire Prevention Week around the United States, but the Selma Fire Department uses an entire month to go to all of the area elementary and starter schools.

“It’s very, very fun. Just to see the joy on their face brings plenty of joy to us,” Waters said.

“The kids in Selma really need someone to look up to. … It gives us great joy just to see them look up to us and to be so excited that we’re coming just to have fun with them.”

Venter said he looks forward to October each year, because going to the schools is something he loves to do.

“It’s enjoyable, we have a great time,” Venter said.

“I enjoy myself. I can be tired, but once I see their faces and how much enjoyment they are getting out of it and retaining the information, it builds you up.”

Venter said it’s fun to entertain the kids and have a good time, but it’s really about the information that they are giving to the children.

“There’s been a drastic change in fires, as far as house fires started by kids, a big drop in numbers,” Venter said. “So it’s very important for their safety and to try to spread the word to their families.”