St Patrick’s Catholic Primary and Christ the King Catholic Primary School show appreciation for local firefighters

St Patrick’s Catholic Primary and Christ the King Catholic Primary School show appreciation for local firefighters

Pupils from St Patrick’s Catholic Primary and Christ the King Catholic Primary School visited their local fire station to show their appreciation of the firefighters who operated there.

The schoolchildren were upset when they found out that a crew of firefighters from their community were attacked by people who threw rocks at them whilst they were attending a 999 call. The pupils of both schools wanted to visit the fire station as they wanted to restore the firefighters’ faith in the local community. They presented the firefighters with chocolates and handmade thank you cards as a way of showing their appreciation for the hard work which they do.

Mark Ryan, Executive Head Teacher of both schools said: 

“The children were very upset when they heard about what had happened. We don’t want to share too much bad news with children but a couple of them were already aware of it and asked if they could go and show the firefighters that not everybody behaves like that. I know that people here care about our community, so it was upsetting to see this mindless attack on some of the very people who are there to protect us. In Christ the King and St Patrick’s, we take great pride in our community and this attack was not just disappointing, it was embarrassing. Our pupils don’t behave in that way, they are role models and our parents teach our children good values. We wanted to let the firefighters know that they are appreciated in our community and that their dedication and service is something we value.”

Whilst they were at the firestation the children received a presentation about the role of firefighters and shown around the fire station along with being given the opportunity to operate a real fire hose. 

“They gave the children an amazing welcome,” said Mr Ryan.

“Sometimes we don’t show people how much we value what they do for us, so it was lovely to go and put a smile on their faces and let them know they’re appreciated. Hopefully the children’s visit has helped restore the firefighters’ faith in the community they serve.”
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