Two different stalwarts of our community, the Fire Service and the Natchitoches campus of Bossier Community College, formerly the Central Louisiana Technical & Community College, held adjacent open houses at the college’s campus and the neighboring Fire Training Center. The synergistic combination provided an evening of fun, education, and opportunity.
The Natchitoches Fire Department held its annual open house at the department’s training facility Thursday, October 6. Sparky the Fire Dog was joined by fellow mascots from Bossier Parish Community College and BOM. The firefighters of the Natchitoches Fire Department were joined by their fellow members of the fire service from the parish’s volunteer fire districts in teaching children fire safety.
The open house was a family-orientated event with grilled hot dogs courtesy of the Brother’s Keepers MC. The youngsters were able to learn how to escape a fire in their home by crawling through a trailer filled with smoke to an exit. The highlights of the evening, however, were examples of what can happen in a blink of an eye. There were demonstrations as to what happens when you try to fry a frozen turkey as well as a demonstration of just how quickly a Christmas tree can catch on fire and why you should never pour water on a grease fire. Several hundred area residents had an opportunity to meet the men and women who make our parish a better, safer place.
The Natchitoches Fire Department’s open house was a wonderful way to spend an evening with the family. The children had a terrific time and learned valuable lessons while playing and having fun.
The Natchitoches Campus of Bossier Community College also held its open house Thursday, October 6. The campus offers many different paths to a career with programs ranging from Cosmetology to Welding and Practical Nursing. The Natchitoches campus also offers the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program in conjunction with NSU in which students can earn both a certificate and an Associate of Science in Engineering Technology. Students in the program work at area industries three days per week and go to class for two days. They gain real-world experience while earning competitive wages.
Each of the programs had displays telling visitors about the opportunities offered. They also had games for the children to play Cosmetology students expertly painted children’s faces. There are several hundred young men and women at the school who are making their future happen!
All of these programs are designed to train students for meaningful careers with a future. None are easy. All are worthwhile. It was a joy to see young people working hard, excited about their futures and communicating that excitement to visitors. The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes them all the best as they learn and prepare.
