In the fall of 2005, Roanoke Fire-EMS was looking for new ways to teach fire prevention education to the community, specifically to children. After doing some research, the department hatched a plan to team up with Roanoke City Public Schools students for a Fire Prevention Week Art Contest. Art specialists in the schools would work on projects with the students and then submit them to a panel of judges to be evaluated on three criteria: aesthetics, safety message and creativity.
The contest had humble beginnings and 12 winners were honored at Fire-EMS Station 10 with a cake reception. Each year, the event has gotten bigger and better. The contest is now in it’s 9th year and has been sponsored by the Rockingham Group Insurance Company since 2006. Winners, along with their families and teachers are treated to a full dinner at one of Roanoke’s fire-EMS stations. The budding artists are also given a goody bag filled with a gift card and other fun tokens of appreciation. Winners and their families are also recognized at a City Council Meeting which has been a huge treat for the students.
The art contest has grown and similar events modeled after Roanoke’s are now held in Vinton, Moneta, Harrisonburg and Rocky Mount with plans for a contest to happen in Hampton as well.
The 17 winners of the 9th Annual Fire Prevention Week Art Contest were recognized at Fire-EMS Station 5 on Wednesday, November 13th. Kaylee Denno, a 7th grader from Woodrow Wilson received the department’s first Junior Firefighter Award. On October 21st, Kaylee heard her neighbor’s smoke detectors sounding and she called 9-1-1. When firefighters arrived, they heard the detectors and forced entry into the home where they found smoke banked down to the floor. The fire was caused by unattended cooking and no one was injured. If it hadn’t been for her quick thinking, the outcome could have been much worse.
Roanoke Fire EMS services says they are EXTREMELY proud of her and all the winners of their contest!
