Middle school pupils promote fire awareness

EAST CORINTH — Six students at Central Middle School in East Corinth have been involved for several weeks in the Community Youth Leader Program sponsored by Fleet Bank. They chose to promote fire awareness and the need for smoke detectors for five small towns in this district, many of whose residents depend on wood heat in the winter.

The death of a small child in a Bradford fire last fall where no smoke detector was present was an impetus in focusing the group’s choice of community service.

Gary Blackwell, president of the Corinth Fire Association, was given detectors for his community from the students: Joy Allen, Kate Brucher, Shelly Higgins, Justin Smith, John Bell and Aaron Dyer. At an assembly March 8, a represenative from each of the towns served by SAD 64 — Hudson, Bradford, Corinth, Stetson and Kenduskeag — were presented a share of the smoke detectors to distribute in each community to families who might not be able to purchase them. The students have raised the funds by selling candy after school. Michael Trafton serves as adviser to the students, assisted by Shirley Grant.

Each student has been involved with assignments and responsibilities in the community outreach. They have been encouraged by favorable responses and help. The state Fire Marshal’s Office has provided valuable materials, along with films from Southern Maine Technical College. Each of the fire departments has been receptive to the plans of students.

The CMS students prepared a survey to determine the level of safety awareness of the middle school students and have published the results. The group will award a pizza party to the classroom which first brings in parent-signed fire escape routes for their homes. The school participated in a fire drill last week when firefighters forced them to use alternative escape routes.