Firefighters in turnout gear will ride into two county schools aboard their big loud apparatus this week as part of National Fire Protection Week that runs through October 12.

Firefighting volunteers roll out at the county’s elementary school today, Wednesday, October 9, according to Principal Tracy Peele. The next day, Thursday, October 10, preschoolers at the facility in Roper are likely to shriek in delight or, conversely, shrink from the sight of the unusually-garbed firefighters and the horns of giant fire truck sirens.

“Some of the children are a little bit scared, because they’ve never seen them up close,” explains Kentia Speller at the pre-school, “They’ve seen the trucks around, but never up close. We explain that firemen are here to help and not be scared of and everyone gets all excited in the end.”

While the fire engine’s presence deepens breathing and accelerates pulses, firefighters bring other treats for the young students, as well...