CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A new firehouse is being built on the grounds of Safety City, a program where police officers teach Kanawha County 3rd graders the importance of safety.
West Virginia Women Work is a statewide non-profit organization that does a free 11 week construction training program for women looking to get into the trade industry. Their current project is constructing the small building as part of the Safety City site located in Charleston.
Misty Mayville, the program coordinator, said the project will benefit the students during their safety lessons.
“It’s making the environment nicer and the kids have also seen us out here working,” said Mayville on Tuesday, “I think it’s been kind of an eye opener for them to see a lot of women out here doing this type of work.”
Sgt. Paul Perdue with the Charleston Police Department took a 3rd grade class from Pratt Elementary School around the site Tuesday morning.
Perdue discussed different safety topics and asked them questions on how to cross a street. For every question they answered correctly, the students received points. The number of points are then compared to the other participating schools in the county.
The Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association also supports the program. Susie Davis, the alumni spokesperson, said the students learn a variety of safety topics.
“How to cross a street safely, don’t walk through the woods if you’re going to a playground, and also bike, skateboard, fire safety, and how to get out of a burning house,” said Davis.
Davis said the students also complete classroom work and watch short videos on safety.
According to a news release, the program is also open to Girl Scout Troops, Cub Scout Packs, and other children’s organizations by appointment.
The firehouse is expected to be completed by the end of the week.