Fire heroes turn into a class act

By Callan Date
THE cheers were more at home at a pop concert, but Narre Warren CFA members were not complaining
The firefighters accepted an invite to Fountain Gate Primary School last week to be thanked for their courageous efforts in battling a blaze that destroyed two classrooms earlier this month.
The fire caused more than $200,000 damage, but that hasn’t made anyone bitter at the school.
Both staff and students welcomed their new heroes with open arms and cheered each CFA member as they were individually introduced to the 550-strong crowd.
Principal Jennifer Duggan said the wider community had been extremely supportive throughout the trying period.
“We presented the firefighters with a plaque from the school in gratitude of saving the school from more damage,” Ms Duggan said.
She said each firefighter also left with about 50 personalised thank-you letters from the students.
“It was a terrific learning experience for the children to thank the firefighters,” she said.
Ms Duggan thanked many groups including The Rotary Club of Narre Warren and individual parents for their donations to help get the school back on track.
“We would also like to thank the Berwick News for their help with everything,” Ms Duggan said.
Police were tipped off after the father of a 14-year-old boy charged over the fire recognised an image of his son in the Berwick News three weeks ago.
“It really has been a team effort and it continues to be with the staff, parents and local organisation all helping out.”
Ms Duggan said things had started to settle down at the school with the two classes of children relocated to another room.
“The kids are fine. They got all new books, hats, headphones and stationery,” she said.
Narre Warren CFA First Lieutenant David Beards said it was very touching to read some of the letters written by the children.
“We don’t do it to get recognition but it is really nice to see the appreciation from the students and staff,” First Lt Beards said.
“A lot of the time you don’t tend to get a lot of feedback from people you help, but it was great to get the letters and read through them,” he said.