Date: Monday, January 22 Time: 3 p.m.
Location: CREC PSA Civic Leadership High School, 1617 King Street, Enfield, CT 06082
Summary:

On Monday, CREC PSA Civic Leadership High School (PSA-CLHS), Enfield, will receive a donated fire truck from the town of South Windsor and the South Windsor Fire Department. Now students will have access to hands-on experience in many aspects of fire service training, such as pump operations, calculation of pump pressures and friction loss, fire suppression operations, and fire behavior. The ability to teach these skills will help to make the school’s theme classes, which include Fire Science, Chemistry, Intro to Fire and EMS, and Forensics more authentic. In addition, it will make it possible for the school to add more theme courses in the future. The truck may also be used for off-site recruiting events.

Fire Chief Kevin Cooney, a 35-year veteran of the South Windsor Fire Department, sees the donation as an excellent way to interest students in a career in fire service. “Donating the truck keeps it useful and young adults can learn from it and perhaps join the fire service,” he said.

Cooney said the idea to donate the older truck to PSA-CLHS was a combination of factors. Several firefighters are graduates and two students are part of the fire department’s explorer program. With the town’s support, donating the truck seemed a natural extension of the department’s longstanding relationship with the school.

According to Principal Jeff Larson, This is another example of ways that our theme is brought to life in the classroom for our students. I am excited for the students and forever grateful to the town of South Windsor and the South Windsor Fire Department for the donation.”

Larson said no students will ride on the truck at any time, although they may get into or out of the seats while the vehicle is parked to simulate various operations. The only drivers will be certified instructors. When not in use, the truck will be stored in a heated garage bay at the school.