Minutes before Youngstown Fire Department Station 1 Captain Tim Hrina and firefighters Chase Kovacs and Jared Rupert arrived at Summit Academy – Youngstown on Wednesday, May 14, Principal Becky Ellis explained that their visit would be a surprise to students. The trio graciously accepted a
request by teachers Alyssa Lupo and Ariana Ritchey to visit the school at 144 N. Schenley Ave. There, they treated students in kindergarten, and first and second grades to climb aboard their fire truck, learn lessons in fire safety and meet true local heroes.
Kindergartener Patrick, whom his teachers and principal describe as a fire truck and firefighter fanatic, inspired the visit. “When you ask Patrick what he wants to be when 
he grows up, he says he wants to be a firefighter,” said Ellis, adding that Patrick loves sirens and drawing pictures of fire trucks.
When Patrick and his classmates followed their teachers to the fire truck in the school parking lot, Patrick screamed. “I’m so happy,” as he dashed to Rupert to give him a hug.
The youngsters squealed, jumped up and down, and bubbled over with
excitement as they sat in the fire truck seats, checked out the firefighters’ equipment, and stepped up on the truck ladder.
Captain Hrina said he appreciated the opportunity to visit the students to assure them not to be afraid of a uniformed firefighter during a fire. He expressed the importance of informing children that firefighters are lifesavers in times of these crises.
After exploring the fire truck and chatting with the firefighters, the children gathered on the grass to learn about the firefighters’ gear and truck equipment
from Kovacs. Minutes later, the firemen received an emergency call. They quickly suited up in their protective gear and left the school grounds with their siren sounding.
“I love that the students had this experience,” said Ritchey. “Being able to visit with community helpers in person is a bonus.”