Fire Department Aims to Engage Big Bear Youth
BIG BEAR, CA/May 22, 2019– Big Bear Fire Department wants to educate children on the fire service. To achieve this goal, we have launched an exciting and motivational educational program using fire department trading cards. The program is designed to educate Big Bear’s elementary age students and get them excited about a future career in the fire service.
To earn a card, students must contact Big Bear firefighters and learn about each of the apparatus or people pictured on the 19 trading cards. Fire Chief Jeff Willis stated, “We know that when an interest in the fire service starts at a young age, we increase the probability of getting kids to become firefighters as adults. Big Bear Fire Department has been able to retain firefighters long-term when they are raised locally in Big Bear. This is an investment in our youth and our future.”
The program was the creation of Fire Captain Josh Mandolini who engaged 3rd grade students from the local elementary schools to write the descriptions for the cards. Fire Engineer Jon Bidwell is meeting with schools, introducing the program to the students at North Shore Elementary, Big Bear Elementary and Baldwin Lane Elementary Schools. Parents will be introduced to the program’s rules and prizes at the schools’ Open Houses occurring in May.
For additional information, please contact Big Bear Fire Department at www.bigbearfire.org or (909) 866-7566.
