Engaging Fire Safety Initiative Keeping Kids Safe In Larimore

Over 43 years with the Larimore Volunteer Fire Department, Ray Fegter has worn a variety of hats in this North Dakota community of about 1,300 people. Originally from Nebraska, he served four years at Grand Forks Air Base, and then decided to put down roots in the area. He’s been an eight-year city council member and the city’s mayor, as well as Commander of the local American Legion and Sergeant-at-Arms for military funerals. He’s also served as fire chief, and is now the local fire prevention officer.

Along with two dozen other volunteer firefighters, Fegter is devoted to protecting Larimore and surrounding rural townships by responding to fire emergencies and other rescue situations. He and his colleagues are also devoted to keeping the community safe through fire prevention initiatives aimed at young people.

For the past 30 years, the fire department has been working to educate children in the community about the perils of fire, and how to prevent harmful accidents. A big part of this thrust has been the organization’s ongoing partnership with Community Safety Net.

Every second year, up to 100 children in grades 3 to 6 receive copies of CSN’s award-winning educational resource ‘Fire Safety: Smart choices for LIFE’ during Fire Prevention Week. Fegter and other volunteer firefighters visit the local school to deliver the resources in classrooms — and also to give interactive fire safety presentations.

According to Fegter, the presentations vary, both for age appropriateness and to keep the kids engaged. This year, one of the firemen suited up in front of the kids so they understand how it’s done and why firefighters in full gear look the way they do. Fegter also brought in and demonstrated a thermal imaging camera to show them what firefighters see while they search for people in a fire situation.

“It was fun. The kids think it’s neat and they thank us for coming,” said Fegter, noting that he and his colleagues usually stay and eat lunch with the younger kids. “It’s kind of special for them to eat with the firemen, especially for the kids of firemen who get to eat with their parents.”

Fegter adds that the presentations are well-received by teachers, as well as parents, who express their gratitude for the initiative. Fegter recalls talking to a parent who was so impressed with the resources his son received — the man commented that he learned from it, too.

Local supporters from the business community in Larimore are impressed with the quality of the CSN materials — the book and accompanying DVD — as well. Each year, Fegter distributes any extra copies he has to the local library, where they’re given out to children from different areas and some who are home-schooled.

“Safety education gives them info they might not get other ways,” said Fegter. “It’s important that they learn about fire prevention and being safe around other things like gasoline and electricity. We haven’t had a lot of instances of kids getting injured or with fires, so hopefully the information has been effective.”