VICENZA, Italy - Leaders recognized the swift action by school staff and U.S. Army Garrison Italy first responders in the aftermath of a minor fire at Vicenza Elementary School.
The fire, which started March 13 around 10 a.m. in the pre-kindergarten area, was extinguished within 20 minutes. Students and staff from Vicenza Elementary and Vicenza Middle School temporarily evacuated to Vicenza High School.
"When I heard about a fire in the elementary school, that triggers the worst-case scenario in my mind, not only as the garrison commander, but as a parent," said Col. Scott Horrigan, USAG Italy commander, who visited the Caserma Ederle fire station March 25 to thank firefighters. "Thank you for responding, just like you've been trained to do ... we can't ask more of you."
The morning of the fire, firefighters and military police moved quickly to the school, said Command Sgt. Maj. Ricardo Moreno.
"The kids were actually happy and not afraid," Moreno said. "Your professionalism gave them peace of mind."
Fernando Carrasco, assistant chief of health and safety, praised the school's faculty and staff.
"The reason it was a success is the quick actions of the teachers," Carrasco said. "If it wasn't for them relaying the information properly...it could have severely hampered the operations."
At the Community and Leader Information Forum on March 19, Robert Johnson, Vicenza Schools administrative officer, was recognized by the DoDEA Europe South district. During the fire, Johnson activated the alarm, alerted staff and students, used a fire extinguisher to contain the fire, and assisted firefighters.
Social Sharing