Kendall firefighters complete very busy Fire Prevention Week at elementary school
Photos and information courtesy of Kendall Fire Department
KENDALL – The Kendall Fire Department has officially wrapped up its 2026 Fire Prevention Week, following five days of educational activities, interactive demonstrations, and community involvement at Kendall Elementary School.
The week, held October 19–23, brought together firefighters, students, teachers, families, and neighboring emergency service agencies to promote fire safety awareness and teach potentially lifesaving skills.
Assistant Fire Chief James Fox of the Kendall Fire Department described the week as an overwhelming success, crediting the dedication of department members, school staff, neighboring agencies, and especially Deputy Chief Mike Cole, who was responsible for planning and coordinating the entire week.
“We had an absolutely incredible week,” Fox said. “I’m honestly not sure who enjoys Fire Prevention Week more, the kids or our firefighters. Seeing the excitement on their faces and watching them learn things that could someday save their lives makes all the planning and preparation worthwhile.”
The department organized a different set of activities each day, giving students multiple opportunities to interact with firefighters and learn about fire prevention.
Monday, October 19 – Fire Prevention Week Kickoff
The week began with Kendall firefighters greeting students as they arrived at school. Later that morning, firefighters visited kindergarten classrooms to read to students and introduce important fire safety concepts.
The day’s safety message encouraged families to check their smoke detectors and replace batteries when needed.
Tuesday, October 20 – Family Safety Night
Tuesday evening brought students and their families together for Family Safety Night, held from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Kendall Central School tennis courts and FTF building.
Families had the opportunity to explore fire apparatus, examine firefighting gear, learn about escape planning, and enjoy pizza while interacting with local firefighters.
The evening emphasized the importance of having a family fire escape plan and knowing what to do when a smoke alarm sounds.
Wednesday, October 21 – Firefighters Visit Kendall Elementary
Wednesday featured one of the week’s most interactive experiences as firefighters visited Kendall Elementary School during the school day.
Students toured fire trucks, participated in fire hose demonstrations, and learned through a smoke simulator.
The Hamlin Morton Walker Fire District joined the activities, bringing its rescue truck and giving students a closer look at specialized equipment used during emergency operations.
Orleans County Emergency Management Office also assisted by providing its Smoke House Trailer, offering students an opportunity to learn about smoke conditions and safe evacuation practices.
“Having Hamlin come out with their rescue truck and the EMO provide the smoke trailer added so much to the experience,” Fox explained. “It gives the kids a chance to see equipment and learn things they might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience.”
Thursday, October 22 – Home Fire Escape Planning
Thursday’s activities shifted the focus to what students and their families can do at home to prepare for an emergency.
Students were encouraged to practice a home fire escape plan, identify a safe family meeting place, and discuss emergency procedures with their parents.
Families were also invited to participate in a special activity by submitting a photograph at their designated meeting location for an opportunity to enter a prize raffle.
“One of the biggest things we want kids to take away from this week is the importance of having a plan,” Fox said. “We want them going home and talking to their parents about smoke alarms, escape routes, and where everyone should meet if there’s a fire.”
Friday, October 23 – Firefighter Safety and the Pumpkin Drop
The week concluded Friday with firefighter safety presentations, a fire ladder truck question-and-answer session, and the highly anticipated pumpkin drop.
The Brockport Fire District brought its Quint, an aerial ladder truck, to Kendall Elementary School for the grand finale.
Students watched as pumpkins were dropped from the elevated ladder, providing an exciting conclusion to a week of learning and fun.
“The pumpkin drop was one of the highlights of the week,” Fox said. “The kids absolutely love it, and I think our members enjoy watching their reactions just as much. Having Brockport bring their Quint to help us finish the week was fantastic.”
Deputy Chief Mike Cole Recognized for Planning and Leadership
While Fire Prevention Week involved numerous firefighters and community partners, Fox made a point of recognizing Deputy Chief Mike Cole for the extensive work he put into organizing the entire event.
“I really want to give credit where credit is due, and that’s to our Deputy Chief, Mike Cole,” Fox said. “Mike planned this entire week and coordinated everything from start to finish. From working with the school and arranging the different activities to coordinating with neighboring departments and making sure everything came together, he put an incredible amount of time and effort into making this happen.”
Fox emphasized that much of the work involved in organizing an event of this size takes place long before students ever see a fire truck arrive at school.
“People see the fire trucks, the demonstrations, and the excitement, but they don’t always see the countless hours of preparation that go into making something like this possible,” Fox explained. “Mike deserves a tremendous amount of recognition for the work he did behind the scenes. He took the lead on this, and the success of the week really speaks for itself.”
Fox added that Cole’s commitment reflects the dedication of the department’s leadership and its continued investment in community education.
“We’re fortunate to have someone like Mike who is willing to put in that kind of time and effort for our community,” Fox said. “He did an outstanding job, and I want to make sure he gets the recognition he deserves.
Fox emphasized that an event of this size would not be possible without the cooperation of multiple organizations and countless hours of preparation.
The Kendall Fire Department extended special appreciation to the Hamlin Fire Department, Brockport Fire Department, Orleans County, and the Kendall Central School District.
“We couldn’t have done this without the support of our neighboring departments, the school district, and our own members,” Fox explained. “Everyone came together to make this a memorable experience for the kids.”
Fox also recognized the volunteer firefighters who dedicated their time throughout the week.
“Our members are volunteers. They have jobs, families, and responsibilities outside the fire department, but they still make time to come out and spend the day with these kids,” Fox said. “That says a lot about the dedication of the people we have in this department.”
More Than Just Fire Trucks and Fun
Although the week included plenty of excitement, Fox stressed that the primary mission remains education and prevention.
“Fire Prevention Week is about much more than showing kids fire trucks and letting them spray water,” Fox said. “We’re teaching them how to recognize dangerous situations, what to do when a smoke alarm goes off, and how to get themselves and their families out safely.”
Fox explained that building positive relationships between children and firefighters is another important benefit of the program.
“We want kids to recognize firefighters as people they can trust, especially during an emergency,” Fox said. “If a child ever experiences a fire, we don’t want them to be afraid of the firefighter coming to help them. We want them to understand that we’re there to keep them safe.”
Already Looking Ahead to 2027
While this year’s activities have concluded, the Kendall Fire Department is already preparing for next year’s event.
“Believe it or not, planning for Fire Prevention Week 2027 has already started,” Fox said. “Every year, we try to build on what we’ve done and find ways to make it even better. We want this to be something the students remember and look forward to every year.”
Fox concluded by once again recognizing Deputy Chief Cole, the department’s volunteers, and the community partnerships that made the week possible.
“I’m extremely proud of our department and everyone who helped make this happen,” Fox said. “Mike Cole deserves a lot of credit for putting this entire week together, and our members deserve recognition for stepping up and making it happen. We have an incredible school district, great neighboring fire departments, and firefighters who genuinely care about this community. When everyone comes together like they did this week, great things happen.”
For the Kendall Fire Department, Fire Prevention Week 2026 was not simply five days of activities. It was an investment in the safety, education, and future of the community’s youngest residents.
And with preparations for 2027 already underway, the department hopes to make next year’s celebration even bigger and better.
