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Teen perspectives
At one time or another, most boys, and some girls have wanted to be a firefighter. Perhaps that's a bit stereotypical, but it helps sell my point so let's go with it for a minute. After the exceptional Town Hall Meeting on Public Safety last week, it seems only appropriate that this week gives local teens the opportunity to try on the  bunker gear and find out what it's like to be in the good guy business as a firefighter/paramedic.
That's what's great about this program, and its sister program, the CSI Teen Academy coming up later this summer. We, as a City organization, are offering the next generation a chance to get some firsthand knowledge about what it takes to rescue people or solve crimes in 21st century municipalities. And, yes, they have some fun (and get wet). But they come out of these programs with their eyes wide open on what it takes to do these jobs. Of course, not all of them will go into public safety or government professions, but many will. Our Fire Department's own Wendi Kimpton, who is a major organizer of this week's academy, got started in the Fire Service after attending a Student Government Day at City Hall when she was a student at R.L. Turner.
The takeaway from all of this is that those of us who have the wheel right now, should pay keen attention to those coming up behind us because many of them are looking for examples, role models and motivating factors that can very easily swing their direction in life. That is a responsibility we can never take too seriously.
As has been oft repeated, "Be the change you want to see in the world."
   Click Gary's picture for background and contact info |
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 FARMERS BRANCH ~ Through a variety of fun activities and field trips, teens enrolled in this week's Farmers Branch Teen Fire and Rescue Academy are learning lifesaving skills and experiencing what it's like to be a Firefighter/Paramedic.
Activities during the week include learning CPR and how to use an AED, how to use a fire extinguisher, lessons in first aid, search and rescue, fire investigations, climbing the ladder on the fire truck, and a CareFlite medical helicopter landing and discussion with the crew. One activity the kids particularly enjoy is the vehicle extrication exercise that gives them the opportunity to stabilize a wrecked car and use the "the jaws of life" and other firefighter tools to pry and cut open the vehicle.
Field trips include: Tarrant County Community College Fire School where the teens will experience numerous fire and rescue demonstrations, Frisco Fire Safety Town and Frisco Fire Department where they will tour the facilities and rappel from Frisco's fire tower, Medical City Dallas and Medical City Children's Hospital where they will get a behind the scenes tour and learn about emergency medical services, and Brookhaven College to learn about the EMT program and other programs offered by the school.
The week will conclude with a slide show presentation, graduation ceremony, a pizza party and a final opportunity to get soaking wet during a fire hose competition.
The Teen Fire Academy is presented by the Farmers Branch Fire Department with support from Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation.
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Employee: Rotha Crump Position: Recreation Programmer at the Senior Center
Department: Parks Department
Years of Service: 10 years
Background: My life before my employment at the City includes: business owner of a flower shop and catering business, school teacher and exercise instructor. I enjoy staying active and on the go. I enjoy hiking, cooking, traveling and time spent with children and grandchildren.
What I love most about working for the City: The best thing about working in Farmers Branch is being able to work with a wonderful and supportive group of people. I also love working with the seniors, who are so caring and appreciative for the Senior Center activities and staff.
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CSI: Farmers Branch
The Farmers Branch Police Department's Sgt. Serna elaborates on plaster casting at crime scenes as part of the outdoor displays for the Town Hall Meeting on Public Safety held last week at City Hall. In addition to the equipment on display outside, the formal meeting in Council Chambers included a detailed look at both the Police and Fire Departments and many of their contemporary programs.
Photo by Tom Bryson |
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July 3
Independence Day Celebration @ Historical Park, 6:30 pm
July 13
Star Party @ Historical Park, 7:00 pm
July 17 City Council Meeting @ City Hall, 6 p.m. Now through July 26
Summer Reading Club @ Manske Library
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 Spray it!
Participants in the Teen Fire Academy get firsthand experience with the business end of a fire hose during the academy's summer session this week.
Photo provided by
Farmers Branch Fire Department |
CITY
EDUCATION
COMMUNITY
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Branch Bulletin
is the recipient of the 2011 and a Finalist for the 2012
TAMI Award
for
Best E-Newsletter
in Texas, bestowed by the
Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers
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About the City of Farmers Branch
Located on the northwest border of the City of Dallas, Farmers Branch is a vibrant and vital community with a residential population of 28,800 but a daytime population of 66,000. The City's 28 parks and lush greenbelts feature nationally-acclaimed, award-winning soccer fields, football facilities as well as baseball and softball complexes. The Farmers Branch Historical Park allows residents to step back in time and the John F. Burke Nature Preserve offers the opportunity to experience a real, 104-acre wilderness in the middle of one of the busiest metro areas of the world. The City's location in the geographical center of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, only 15 minutes away from both DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field, make Farmers Branch an ideal location for residents and for business. For more information about Farmers Branch, visit www.farmersbranch.info or call 972.919.2515.
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