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© St. Petersburg Times, published October 13, 2001
NEW PORT RICHEY -- When it comes to fire safety, Mark Malave has heard it all before. As a first-grader at Mittye P. Locke Elementary School, he has been told not to play with matches, that 911 is the number to call, and that "stop, drop and roll" is the formula to follow if your clothes catch fire.
There's the importance of seeking two exits out of any room, of crawling under the smoke instead of walking, and establishing an escape route and outside meeting place ahead of time with family members in case a fire breaks out in your home.
Still, there's something about hearing it from those who don the uniform and rush out when they hear the call.
That's why each year during October, National Fire Safety Month, the New Port Richey City Fire Department hosts an open house of sorts to upwards of 1,000 youngsters throughout Pasco County and north Pinellas.
Mark was just one of 40 first-graders from Mittye P. Locke Elementary School to take the Friday morning field trip through Station 1 of the New Port Richey Fire Station. The tour included lessons on kitchen safety, a crawling adventure through the simulated "smoke room," a chance to spray the powerful fire hose, as well as a closeup look at station fire trucks.
Students were also given parting gifts: fire hats, magnets and educational coloring books.
Being that Florida is headed into the dry season, Forest Ranger Bob Stockton, from the Florida Department of Forestry, also showed up with his fire truck while his cohort, Forest Ranger Jose Coll, came along as Smokey Bear.
Firefighter-paramedic Bill Podolak, being the rookie for the third shift, was given the job of donning the Sparky the Fire Dog costume for delighted students, such as Ashley Fuentes, who eagerly lined up to shake hands and perhaps sneak in a hug.
"It's great to be Sparky," said Capt. Paul Brozyna, "especially with all the little kids coming up to you and hugging you."
Teacher Sarah Orloff, got in on the act by dressing in 40 pounds of fire gear, complete with oxygen mask, so youngsters would know what a firefighter would look and sound like if he or she were trapped in a fire.
The tour is an important tool in educating students as well as the public, Lt. Tyler Fixman said.
"We're trying to teach the kids so the kids go home and teach the parents," he said.
Although the field trip was educational, it was also a chance for youngsters to get up close to those who have become important role models since the Sept. 11 terror attacks, Mrs. Orloff said.
"Along with everything else we've been stressing that our firefighters are real heroes," she said.
First-grade teacher Barbara Baird, now in her 50th year of teaching, has taken the fire station tour with students countless times. For this field trip her students dressed in red, white and blue, in honor of the firefighters.
"This year I think it's much more meaningful for them," Ms. Baird said.
The tours, while fun for youngsters, are also a highlight for firefighters.
"We love it. It really is one of the best parts of the job," Fixman said. "The firefighters are always the good guys. When we talk about our job, we always tell them that we would always make the ultimate sacrifice. Now I think they really understand that."
So it seemed for Mark Maleve.
"This is so cool," he said while tracing his finger along Fixman's shiny badge.
Fixman had crouched to field questions while the youngsters were lining up to take their turn spraying the fire hose.
A reminder to change your smoke detector batteries when you change your clocks for Eastern Standard Time on Oct. 28. Those wishing to tour the New Port Richey Fire Department may call (727) 841-4500.