Who says learning about safety can’t be rewarding? The City of Malden proved otherwise at the Eighth Annual Safety Day at the Linden STEAM Academy by attracting a large crowd with a combination of free pizza, popcorn, and a raffle that sent five winners home with free iPads.
Though the event began at 11:00 A.M., preparation began hours earlier. The Malden Fire Department set up bouncy houses, tents, and a fire truck that catered to the children. Inside one tent, a throwing game let you earn a prize with consecutive bean bag throws into a hole. In the second tent, there were boxes full of safety manuals, pencils, and red or pink miniature firefighter helmets.
The Malden Police Department’s tent also contained similar safety resources as well as goodie bags. “It was hectic at first, but once I got the hang of it, it was really nice,” shared junior volunteer Alyssa Lynch, who worked with the fire department.
Sophomore Edom Abrhame recalled noticing children asking police and firefighters all kinds of questions, which made her “happy” because kids were eager to learn.
When it finally came time to welcome families, Key Club volunteers freshman Winnie Chen and senior Sophia Chen awaited them at the check-in table, which was directly in front of the parking lot. The two were in charge of handing each person a raffle ticket, which they would use to enter the main lobby of the school, turn in their tickets, grab a free pumpkin, and head back outside for the fun.
Soon, the event became lively with music played by a DJ, pizza being made and served out of an actual fire truck, and the “touch-a-truck” opportunities where children “climbed on fire engines and ladders, police cars, an ambulance and the DPW (Department of Public Works),” according to the City of Malden’s press release from the event. But what created the most noise was when the children were climbing into the street sweeper to honk the horn.
While everyone settled in and enjoyed all kinds of activities such as the bouncy houses and the face-painting station, junior Cortez Thou prepared to be the main attraction of the event by dressing as the Malden Fire Department Mascot ‘Sparky’.
As soon as Thou finished, Sparky made his way out of the school, where he was met by children eager to meet and take photos with him. Making his way arhotound the event, Sparky made it to the DJ booth, where he was announced to the entire event.
After a couple more laps around, Sparky went back inside for a break, and in the middle of the plaza, the Massachusetts Special Tactical Operations team (STOP) let children try on their vests and shields, teaching them how the equipment protects them.
To the left of the door Sparky entered were Key Club volunteer, ninth-grader Selam Tesfaw, who is also a reporter for The Blue and Gold, and junior Fikir Tesfaw, manning the rubber duck table where children played with plastic ducklings in a miniature pool.
While the fun continued, the DJ announced, “Mayor Christenson has stopped by to say hello!” which was followed by Christenson making his way to the firefighters for a quick photo while reminding people to get raffle tickets.
At 12:00 P.M., families made their way inside the school to the main lobby for a dog show, where a STOP officer showcased the skills of his experienced K-9, Newman.
He first detailed the extensive experience and training Newman had before showcasing his brilliant tracking abilities, which were demonstrated by having the audience release five drops of a substance in different areas around the main lobby.
As the audience figured out where to place the droplets, there was an interesting introduction between Sparky and Newman in the hallway. As soon as they encountered each other, Newman attempted to lunge at Sparky many times. Sophomore volunteer Meklit Daniel described the event as “inclusive,” and a “really nice way to get the little kids entertained.”
Throughout the last thirty minutes of the event, the fun and games remained. The face-painting station left children happy with designs such as flowers, rainbows, and animals. The firefighters let children use their hoses to spray at a wooden board near the field, and the free popcorn and slush filled stomachs.
“My favorite part of the day was meeting all the people and seeing them smile,” Lynch concluded.
While Safety Day only happens once a year, the fire department uses the week of the event to do their annual smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation for senior citizens.
By the end of the event, children and families were sent home with profound knowledge of the importance of safety and protection.
About the Author
