Cutchogue East Elementary hosts Fire Prevention Safety Days

Cutchogue East Elementary students participated in the school’s annual Fire Prevention Safety Demonstrations, held on Oct. 14-15. The success of the program was due to the combined expertise of Cutchogue Fire Department Second Assistant Chief Joseph Hinton, who spearheaded the event, and Chief Mike Boken and First Assistant Chief Chris Dininzio. The team collaborated with Mattituck Fire Department representatives Chief Bobby Haas, First Assistant Chief Steven Ficner and Second Assistant Chief Judd Lincoln to provide students across all grade levels with hands-on, age appropriate experiences that reinforce the importance of fire safety.

Students in UPK-first grade explored fire safety in the home through visitation of the mobile Smoke House designed to resemble a real house and illustrating common fire hazards and safe responses. Second and third grade students were introduced to the hose truck. They observed hose lengths and gauges, learned how tools are used to fight fires and discovered how firefighters check behind walls and ceilings to ensure complete safety.  Fourth and fifth graders gained a deeper understanding of critical safety equipment, exploring the functions of fire extinguishers, smoke and CO detectors and essential firefighting gear. 

Sixth grade students received a live demonstration featuring a Suffolk County Police medivac helicopter. Pilots John Carey and Phay Musselman, along with flight paramedic Jason Hoffman, shared their expertise and guided students through a tour of the helicopter. 

 Additionally, all students received vital instruction on school bus fire evacuation procedures, thanks to David Surozenski of Sunrise Bus Company, who also serves as chief of the Southold Fire Department. Students practiced exits using a real roof hatch in and hands-on demonstration that emphasized calm and confident action during emergencies.

Adding a touch of fun to the educational experience was Sparky the Fire Dog. The students also received a fire prevention goodie bag, complete with a t-shirt and fire hat.

The Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District extends heartfelt gratitude to the incredible volunteers from the Mattituck and Cutchogue Fire Departments, David Surozenski of Sunrise Bus Co., Suffolk County Police Officers John Carey (pilot) and Phay Musselman (pilot), and Flight Paramedic Jason Hoffman. The district appreciates their time, passion, and unwavering commitment to fire prevention education which made a lasting impact on the students and community.