CASSADAGA - With 270 students, 130 staff, numerous buildings, lots of equipment and tools, safety is the top priority at the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy, but during universal safety week it takes center stage.
The week included an appearance and hands on demonstrations by the Lily Dale Volunteer Fire Department, a safety poster contest, a special contest for students to identify mock safety hazards in the workplace, a safety fair and a demonstration by the Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department and the New York State Forest Rangers.
The special week is recognized across all 125 Job Corps centers during the month of June, designated by the National Safety Council as National Safety Month.
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New York State Forest Ranger Bob Rogers repels down the administration building at the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy for a special demonstration during Job Corps Safety Week
The week began as students were evacuated from the school building during a fire drill, which members and equipment from the Lily Dale Fire Department responded to with lights and sirens.
Students watched on as members of the department donned all the appropriate gear, and "checked" the building, providing a realistic experience to students and an opportunity for fire fighters to see first hand how the building is laid out in case they ever need to respond to a real emergency.
The firefighters stayed at the academy throughout the morning to provide hands on demonstrations with fire extinguishers and the fire hose.
The week ended with a visit from the New York State Forest Rangers and Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department providing students with a demonstration of what happens during a rescue operation in Zoar Valley.
Students heard a short lecture while viewing pictures of rescues in the valley, and then watched as a member of the fire department and forest ranger repelled down the academy's administration building. The members of the rescue team discussed obstacles and dangers they face and how they overcome them. At one point during the presentation Forest Ranger Bob Rogers dangled upside down from a rope as he demonstrated a technique used by the rescue team when they are in action.
Other activities throughout the week educated students on a variety of safety topics and many provided hands on experiences so everyone could understand the role they play in keeping themselves, other students and the academy a safe place to live and learn.
"Safety week is a unique way to not just talk safety but to bring it to light and show through demonstration and activities why it is so important. Students and staff enjoy getting involved in the different activities," Safety Manager Curan Grabias stated.
She thanked many of the outside entities that made the day possible.
"A very big appreciation goes out to the Lily Dale Fire Department, Gowanda Fire Department and New York State Forest Rangers for taking time out of their day to share their experiences and help our students better understand what is happening around them," she said.
The Cassadaga Job Corps Academy provides career technical training to youth ages 16-24 to help with skills needed in today's job market. Students in need of a diploma will work to obtain a GED or high school diploma while enrolled as well. All students who meet eligibility requirements and are committed to a rigorous training program attend on a full federal scholarship.
For more information you may contact Adam Dolce, business and community liaison, by emailing dolce.a-dam@jobcorps.org, calling (716)595-4237 or by visiting the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy on the web at cassadaga.job-corps.gov.
