Community Helpers Visit St. Luke Preschool

The children at and Early Childhood Center spend part of their time learning about community helpers.

As part of those lessons, the children in the three-year-old class recently got a visit from New York City firefighter Scott Quinn. Quinn showed the children all his equipment and put on his full turn out gear. They were amazed at the weight of the equipment he had to carry.  

Firefighter Quinn taught the children “Stop, drop and roll!” the simple fire safety technique which is the most efficient way of putting out a clothing fire. He also taught them basic principles of fire safety and awarded each child a book, folder and a Fire Safety Certificate for their achievement.

Firefighter Quinn is a five-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department with Engine 312 based in Astoria, Queens. He resides in Dix Hills with his wife, Tami and children Ryan, Sara, a St. Luke Preschool student, and Emma.

The four-year-old pre-kindergarten class was visited by Suffolk County Second Precinct police officers Philip Riportella and Nick Naumov. The officers showed the children their police car and gave them coloring books with safety information.

The officers talked to the children about how police officers are friends who can help children. Officer Riportella used the example of a child getting lost or separated from his or her parents and how a police officer is the best person to help. He also explained to the class the importance of the 911 emergency system.

The children were impressed when they learned how even young children had helped in an emergency when they were able to dial 911. Officer Riportella is the father of St. Luke student Sofia and her older sister, Angelina.