Over Spring Break, the Giant Steps’ Development Team had the honor to hangout and dine with a few members of the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District.
What we thought was going to just be dinner and conversation, turned into MUCH, MUCH more!
The Lisle-Woodridge Fire District is ranked as ISO-Class 1, which means they have superior property fire protection. There is only a small percentage in the United States that receive this rating.
Lieutenant Neil Berkowitz started the evening off with a tour of fire station 51. From seeing both past and present fire station and fire scene photos on the walls to learning why the Lisle-Woodridge fire trucks are yellow, the Giant Steps’ Development team gained a better understanding of the history and make up of the fire department and all they do.
After our dinner, Lieutenant Berkowitz and Fire Medic Miguel Martinez spoke to us about Fire Safety. We learned what can cause a fire as well as how to put a fire out. We even had the chance to practice using a fire extinguisher on a real flame!
The evening was full of new experiences for Giant Steps’ Development Team. Not only did we practice using fire extinguishers, but we also had the chance to try out the fire hose as well as put on the firefighter gear. Firefighters have to pass regular physical examinations and maintain their health and fitness level. The gear alone weighs about 60 pounds and this does not include any extra outside ventilation equipment or tools that need to be carried while fighting a fire. A firefighter may have to carry up to 130 additional pounds with gear and equipment! Talk about a workout!
Lieutenant Neil Berkowitz, Lisle-Woodridge Fire District, helps Giant Steps’ Development Associate, Lindsey Nichols with firing the hose!
Both Giant Steps and our Lisle-Woodridge Fire District believe that building strong relationships and partnerships with our community businesses, organizations, and members is what keeps our community strong and thriving.
With five stations and about 100 staff total, including both administrative and firefighters included, the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District make it a top priority to help the community in any way they can. One way they help is to teach about Fire Safety.
“We stress the importance of having a fire safety plan at home and practicing that the plan. Just as you are made to practice a fire safety plan at work, we want to emphasize that there should also be practice at the home. Statistics show that fires occur more at home with our loved ones and we want to inform and encourage all to practice fire safety and know what to do if and when a fire happens. The Lisle-Woodridge Fire District want the community to know that we are here for help, guidance and to answer any questions you may have as you check your fire safety and prepare a plan.
– Lieutenant Neil Berkowitz, Lisle-Woodridge Fire District
Giant Steps’ Major Gifts Director Lisa Ewers won a silent auction bid at an event and planned the dinner with the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District. Check out what led her to wanting to sit-down and not just have dinner with the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District, but to enjoy their company and learn more!
“When I first walked through the doors of Giant Steps (for a job interview) in April of 2013, the fire alarm went off and I was promptly directed to turn around and exit the building immediately.
Within a few minutes, yellow fire trucks pulled up in front of the school and they all jumped into action. I had never seen yellow fire trucks before. After the “All Clear”, I learned it was just a drill, but it sure looked like and felt like the real thing. As the yellow fire trucks exited the parking lot, I saw the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District name on the side of the trucks.Later that same month, I was hired and walked through the doors at Giant Steps again for my first day of work………..and once again, I did not get past the reception area when the fire alarm went off and I knew exactly what I needed to do, turn around and exit the building! And I am sure you can guess what happened next……those same yellow fire trucks showed up within minutes to help us with another fire drill.
I was new to DuPage County, as I had just relocated to this area. I quickly learned how incredible the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Department was to Giant Steps and the community in so many different ways. Not only did they help us with our fire drills, they trained the staff at Giant Steps and we in turn, trained the Fire Department about individuals with autism.
In addition, those yellow fire trucks were a huge hit with the students at Giant Steps for many years. They came to many of our events so the children and students could talk to them and see, feel, climb and experience the trucks.
They have brought thousands of smiles to the faces of the individuals we serve diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. And they still continue to do so today!
Why have I wanted to have dinner with the Firefighters for the last 6 years?:
Lisa Ewers, Giant Steps’ Major Gifts Director
1. I have had the honor and blessing to meet many of them over the years.
2. They donate the dinner to local fundraising events to help raise much needed funds for non-profit organizations.
3. I have bid on the dinner at many fundraising events and have never won…….I was determined this year to win!! AND, I DID!
4. I learned there is no job too difficult for the Firefighters, no obstacle too hard to overcome, no living creature unworthy of a firefighter’s best effort, and no excuse for not doing your best. Every time.
5. Firefighters fight like family, love like family, and treat each other like family.
6. They hold themselves to a higher standard.
7. They can cook and they do it well, you can’t take care of someone else if you can’t take care of yourself.
8. They don’t expect others to clean their messes. They are as adept at handling a mop and a broom as they are an ax and a pike pole.
9. They are capable of problem solving during chaos and they are willing to do so for strangers
10. I wanted to try on a fire suit…….did it make me look fat?
Sincerely,
Lisa
The opportunity that the Giant Steps’ Development Team had to meet and spend some time with some of the staff at the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District not only was entertaining, but it was a chance for both groups to learn more about one another as individuals and as organizations.
If you have any questions or concerns, or would just like more information about fire safety, please contact Lieutenant Neil Berkowitz at the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District. He can be reached by email at nberkowitz@lwfd.org or you can reach him by phone at 630-353-3033.
You can also follow the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District on Facebook for more information and tips about fire safety!