GCFD 8 emphasizes pedestrian safety on first day of school
Grant County Fire District 8 Chief Matt Hyndman (right) conducts students across Government Road on the first day of school in the Wahluke School District.
COURTESY PHOTO/WAHLUKE SCHOOL DISTRICT
MATTAWA — Grant County Fire District 8 crews used the first day of school to emphasize school crossing safety by putting in a shift as crossing guards.
Firefighters supplemented school staff at crosswalks along Government Road, the main artery through Mattawa. The goal was to remind drivers to exercise extra caution now that school is back in session, especially in those areas along Government Road with poor visibility.
“It’s something we try to do every year, if we’re not on a call,” said Barbara Davis, GCFD 8 business manager.
Wahluke School District and GCFD 8 work together on projects throughout the school year, some for safety and education, some just for fun, Davis said. Wahluke second graders get a tour of the GCFD 8 station and fire trucks visit elementary schools for “touch a truck” events. The fire trucks are there for last day of school festivities, too.
The goal is to introduce children to emergency vehicles and teach them about emergency response and public safety, Davis said.