By Beth David, Editor
Kids and their adults were treated to a free cool-down courtesy of Fairhaven Fire on 7/15/25 on the lawn of the Unitarian Church sponsored by the Millicent Library.
Firefighter/Paramedic Maggie Rocha spoke to children about fire safety, explaining what to do in case of fire: Get out!
She explained the importance of identifying two means of exit in case one is blocked by fire.
She also explained that crawling on the floor is better because of how smoke behaves.
“Stay low and go,” she said.
And once you get out, stay out, and report the fire by calling 911.
Then FF Rocha put on her whole firefighting gear, in very hot and humid weather. She explained each item and what it does.
She also demonstrated the alarm, which goes off if a firefighter is motionless for 20 or 30 seconds and gets louder and louder so her fellow firefighters can find her.
“It’s all about protection and keeping me safe,” she told them. “And keeping my brothers and sisters safe.”
After she was all geared up, she walked around so children could get a good look at what they might see coming out of the smoke if they are ever caught in a fire.
“Don’t be scared,” said Ms. Rocha, although it was obvious that some kids were definitely a little nervous getting close to uniform.
After the safety demonstration, the fire hose got sprayed on the lawn for children to jump through the spray and cool off. They also got free “Junior Firefighter” helmets, and free ice cream courtesy of Dorothy Cox’s.
To learn more about the programs at the Millicent Library, visit https://millicentlibrary.org
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- Children catch water in their Junior Firefighter helmets at the fire safety and fire hose fun event on 7/17/25 on the lawn of the Unitarian Church in Fairhaven sponsored by the Millicent Library. Photo by Beth David.
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- Millicent Library Assistant Director and Head of Youth Services, Allie Thiel, takes a turn at the hose spraying children at the fire safety and fire hose fun event on 7/17/25 on the lawn of the Unitarian Church in Fairhaven sponsored by the Millicent Library. Photo by Beth David.
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- Michael Brown takes a turn controlling the hose while (L-R) Firefighter/paramedic Maggie Rocha and Millicent Library Asst. Dir. and Head of Youth Services, Allie Thiel, lend a hand during the fire safety and fire hose fun event on 7/17/25 on the lawn of the Unitarian Church in Fairhaven sponsored by the Millicent Library. Photo by Beth David.
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- Firefighter/paramedic Maggie Rocha greets children while in full gear during the fire safety and fire hose fun event on 7/17/25 on the lawn of the Unitarian Church in Fairhaven sponsored by the Millicent Library. Photo by Beth David.
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- Four siblings enjoy a frozen treat from Dorothy Cox’s Chocolates during the fire safety and fire hose fun event on 7/17/25 on the lawn of the Unitarian Church in Fairhaven sponsored by the Millicent Library. Photo by Beth David.
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Click here to download the 7/24/25 issue: 07-24-25 FireHoseFun
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