Southeast High School gets a Firetruck

Southeast High School has a new way of teaching their student about the role of a Firefighter.

Kenny Watson's Law and Public Safety Class

The Students of Southeast High School have an opportunity not many students have. This morning the Law and Public Safety Class was presented with their very own firetruck from the Mayor of Meridian and the Fire Chief. Let's learn a little more about exactly how students will be using the firetruck for hands-on learning.

“Well we are donating this fire truck to the school system to help them run their programs. I think it’s real good to give students the opportunity to learn about fire and law enforcement and maybe to encourage them to go into those fields.” Said Mayor Jimmie Smith.

The firetruck sat on the lot unused for years before the Fire Chief saw an opportunity to make use of it.

“It’s an investment and recruiting to us, we now hire fire fighter at the age of 18, so some of mr. Watson’s students we can get directly after graduation.” Said Jason Collier the Fire Chief.

The law and public safety teachers says the truck will be used to teach his students about the fire department and how fire fighters do their jobs.

“So, we are going to use this to provide basically real life training scenarios for the students to be able to operate off of a fire apparatus.” Stated Kenny Watson.

Students of Mr. Watson’s class are excited to experience such a one of a kind hands on learning experience and tells us what they most look forward to.

“I learn better with hands on stuff and i like that we get to actually have a firetruck and come out here and talk about it and learn about it.” stated 12th grader Victoria.

“Cleaning it up, getting to work on it and learning more about what fire fighters do.”, said 12th grader Lindsey

"Well it is going to be fun to get to work on it and see all of the operations that goes on." ” Said 11th grader Alyssa.

The students will be learning how to load and stock a fire truck, how pull a hose and more.

The only things students will not be doing is driving the fire truck.

“We are super excited to be able to have this, there is 56 other law and public safety programs in the state, and we are the only one who has their own fire apparatus.” Stated Watson.