Six students who were active volunteer members of the Port Jefferson Fire Department received a notification about a nearby fire while they were at their high school graduation on June 24th at Port Jefferson High School. Rather than stay for the celebration, the six students ran straight to the nearby fire station.
One of the students, Andrew Patterson, told the Washington Post, that he unzipped his gown while running. When Patterson and his fellow students and volunteer firefighters arrived they quickly changed into their protective gear and rushed to the fire, leaving a trail of caps, gowns, diplomas, and flowers behind them.
"It was somewhat extraordinary circumstances," said Patterson, explaining that the proximity of the graduation ceremony at the high school to the fire station and, likewise, the fire station's nearness to the blaze made it a seamless effort. "Speed is very important. We like to get there fast."
The fire had begun in the garage of a home about half a mile away. The students arrived quickly and within an hour the fire was extinguished. No one was injured.
Christian Neubert, the Port Jefferson assistant fire chief, and middle school teacher, said the outcome of the fire could have been different if not for the fast-acting students.
Neubert praised the students, saying that,
"We're talking about the nicest kids that you can possibly ask for. I couldn't say enough about them. They've brought so much life to the firehouse."
I think I'd have to agree with him - we need more kids like these!
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