(Seguin) – First, there was Cookies with A Cop, now another group of Seguin ISD Elementary School children are getting to enjoy Festivities with Firefighters.
A round of Seguin Fire Firefighters on Friday got to enjoy the lunch break with local fourth and fifth graders at Patlan Elementary School. The event is the latest community partnership and adopt a school pilot program aimed at not only strengthening the relationship between students and those at the local fire house but also creating a mentorship program between the two.
Among those engaging with the students was Assistant Fire Chief Garrick Herbert. Herbert says there was no hesitation for the fire department to jump on board.
“We are just excited to be working with youth in the community. I know there is just a lot of opportunity for us to interact with them and for them to see, I guess, us as people. You know, they only ever see us driving by in a fire truck so if we are able to establish that connection with these youth at this age, we are a lot more likely to engage public safety whether that’s police or fire,” said Herbert.
School Principal Linda Guzman says she was thrilled to learn about this new community partnership and looks forward to its rewards.
“Whoever thought of it is just that wonderful because we are one community and so many kids are – that’s what they are looking to do one day. So, we are excited about it,” said Guzman.
Guzman says she is especially pleased that the program will focus and help guide Patlan’s older students.
“Yes, they are fourth and fifth graders. I’ve got to tell you so many times they miss out. When they are kinder, everybody gets to see the fire truck but as a fifth grader to know be able to compose those questions and be able to ask a real fireman, it’s neat to watch,” said Guzman.
So how did Friday’s lunch hour go? Chief Herbert says it went as well as expected.
“Yes, so we are fourth and fifth grade – it’s everything from what I do for a living to their dog’s name to what we are having for lunch and I think that’s what it is supposed to be – it’s all business or all play,” said Herbert.
The prior week, officers with the Seguin Police Department launched its Cookies with A Cop program with students at Jefferson Avenue Elementary School. The programs are both similar in that there is a desired goal to grow even stronger relationships between the students and public servants.
Other groups interested in adopting their neighborhood school or in supporting several schools through the district may contact Kelly Follis, the Seguin ISD director of community outreach, at 830-379-0325.