The Fire Department has had a busy week of events to help educate and promote safety as part of National Fire Prevention Week, which is Sunday-Saturday, October 9-15. On Wednesday, October 14 the Fire Department held an awards ceremony and celebration at the Macon Mall for students and their families. Fire Chief Shane Edwards, Mayor Lester Miller, and Bibb County School District Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims were all in attendance. 31 students from across the County received awards for the Louise Poe Fire Safety Essay Contest. 

“We’re always working to educate people on fire safety and how to be prepared, but we especially want to engage with the community during Fire Prevention week,” said Fire Educator Sergeant Jeremy Webb. “Fire prevention is a team effort, and we invite everyone in Macon-Bibb to be part of that team!” 

There was also a special award presented for a young person who recently went above and beyond to save a life- that winner was Ja’Kayla Hardy from Bruce Elementary. She saw a man unconscious and in need of help under the bleachers at a Rutland football game. She flagged down Rutland Head Coach Jamarcus Johnson. Because of Hardy’s quick thinking and bravery, the man was able to get the medical attention he needed. Hardy says she hopes to be a firefighter when she grows up. 

Throughout the week firefighters canvassed neighborhoods to meet their neighbors and give out smoke detectors. There is still a chance for kids (or the young at heart) to tour a fire truck, participate in safety activities, receive giveaways like coloring books, and more. The Fire Department will be at three Firehouse Subs locations on Friday, October 14 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at 4921 Riverside Drive, 4123 Forsyth Road, and 4640 Presidential Parkway. 

 To set up a tour for your group or family, call the Fire Administration Office at (478) 751-9180. Visit the Fire Department on Facebook here to follow along with the fun. 

POSTER CONTEST WINNERS: 

1st Place Marley Veal – Vineville Academy

2nd Place Antawan Mays -Rosa Taylor Elementary

3rd Place Belle Alfonzo – Heard Elementary School

Honorable Mention 

Monta Jackson – Bruce Elementary

Lydia Taylor – Heard Elementary

Zaraiah Ruffin – Rosa Taylor Elementary

Na’Riyah L. Houston – Bruce Elementary

Christian Toomer – Vineville Academy

Jace Hall -Vineville Academy

Olivia Foster – Vineville Academy

ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS 

5th Grade 

1st Place  – Miles McMickle – St. Joseph’s Catholic School

2nd Place – Cara Suttles -St. Joseph’s Catholic School

3rd Place -Charmish Cooper – Hartley Elementary School

Honorable Mention

Reagan Lindsey – St. Joseph’s Catholic School

Paisley Woodson – St. Joseph’s 

Kaylei Williams – Matilda Hartley Elementary School

Tyler Daniely – Matilda Hartley Elem

8th Grade

1st Place – Damontae Rembert – Miller Magnet Middle School

2nd Place – Ameena  Rahaman -Miller Magnet Middle School

3rd Place –TaCoyia Braswell -Miller Magnet Middle School

Honorable Mention

Ariah Mendez -VIP Academy

Aiden Redding -Miller Magnet Miller School

Ahmad Clay -Weaver Miller School

Carmelo Jones-Miller Magnet Miller School

 

12th Grade 

1st Place $500 Scholarship – TeKorien D. Johnson -VIP Academy

2nd Place $500 Scholarship– Anna Thompson -FPD First Presbyterian Day School

Honorable Mention 

Cayla Jackson – Westside High School

Samarion Perkins -VIP Academy

A’mauriah Neville -Westside HS

Jaylan Hubbard -SOAR Academy

Ahjah Gary -VIP Academy