Whiteman Fire Department to wrap up Fire Prevention Week with Oct. 13 parade

  • Published
  • By Airman Parker McCauley
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
The Whiteman Fire and Emergency Services Flight is hosting a fire prevention parade on base at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 13.

As a conclusion to the Fire Prevention Week campaign, the parade will begin in the Commissary parking lot, travel through base housing and finish back in the Commissary parking lot, where a grand finale event is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The parade will feature the Whiteman AFB Fire Department as well as others from the community, along with child-friendly mascots Smokey and Sparky.

“Come out and enjoy,” said Master Sgt. Justin Pederson, assistant chief of prevention with the Whiteman Fire and Emergency Services Flight. “Even if the weather is not the best, we’ll make it a good time and you’ll get to see and intermingle with your fire and emergency services personnel who are here to serve the community. Kids can interact with firefighters and parents can ask questions. We’re here to support you.”

During the week, Fire and Emergency Services members shared fire safety and prevention information around base. Sparky and Smokey visited Whiteman Elementary School, the Youth Center and the Base Exchange to teach the three Ls:

-Look for places a fire could start;
-Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm;
-Learn two ways out of every room.

“Working in the fire service for many years, we know that people often make choices in fire situations that jeopardize their safety or even cost them their lives,” Pederson said. “We need to do a better job of teaching people about the potentially life-saving difference escape planning and practice can make.”

For more information, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.