CRESTVIEW — As Ameylah Horton suited up in firefighting protective gear, she thought about what she wants to be when she grows up.
Asked if she would consider being a first responder, the 8-year-old said it’s possible — “because I like helping people. If someone would hurt their knee, I would give them a Band-Aid."
In the meantime, she and other children learned about the job when Crestview firefighters visited Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church on Friday for the final day of Vacation Bible School.
Four department members displayed one of the main station's fire engines and explained the tools they use during emergencies such as burning buildings and traffic accidents.
The fire crew came at the request of Mae R. Coleman, who headed this year’s VBS event.
“I wanted these children to see how the community works,” she said.
One goal was to teach children the importance of education, Coleman said — a point that Capt. Jody Smallwood echoed.
Fire trucks and hoses may help save lives, but “the most important tool you have is in your head," he said.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview AME church invites firefighters to teach life lessons