By Betsy Scheinbart
The kindergarten class at Middleton’s Day Care center in Laurelton got a special treat last week when their heroes — New York City firefighters and police officers — joined in their Thanksgiving feast.
“When I get big, I want to be a fireman,” kindergartner Colin Haynes said after meeting firefighters Nov. 21 from Engine 317, based on Linden Boulevard and 196th Street in St. Albans.
Dietra Middleton, one of the directors of the day-care center, said the kindergarten students started talking much more about becoming fire fighters and police officers after Sept. 11.
“This year they have seen a lot of the firefighters in the media and they were very interested in learning about them,” Middleton said. “In the past, I have not seen as many children express the desire to become firefighters.”
Both boys and girls are interested in joining New York’s Bravest and Finest, Middleton said.
Five-year-old Tyra Snell was one of the firefighters’ biggest fans last week — she jumped up and down as the “Sleepless Knights” walked into her classroom.
The kids were outfitted in Pilgrims’ hats and native Americans’ headbands, made with construction paper and colorful feathers.
Once the firefighters were assembled and the kindergartners had settled down, the youngsters recited — almost in unison — an eight-line poem, “Helping Hands Make a Difference,” which Middleton wrote.
The poem included the lines: “Some helping hands are the hands of a firefighter. Some helping hands are the hands of a police officer. If all of the helping hands come together, we can make a difference. Thank you for your helping hands.”
The children recited the poem a second time to welcome Police Officers Nicole Dean and Shirley Kirkland from the 105th Precinct to their classroom.
The youngsters presented posters with their hand prints and the words: “Helping hands make a difference. Thank you for your helping hands” to the uniformed officers.
Just as the firefighters of Engine 317 were leaving the class, Engine 311 and Ladder 158 from Springfield Gardens pulled up at the day-care center.
Capt. Nick Schiralli and several other firefighters were able to join the children in their Thanksgiving feast, which featured a large turkey — carved by Firefighter Brian McElwain — and an assortment of other holiday dishes.
Although the children made faces at the turkey and were curious about the large bird, there was enough food for even the most picky eaters, with macaroni and cheese to add to the more traditional fare.
“I like turkey and pumpkin pie only,” Snell said defiantly before a classmate told her cornbread was also part of the feast, causing her to exclaim: “I love cornbread!”
The firefighters had no complaints about the food and lived up to their reputation as hearty eaters.
They have accepted many offers to visit southeast Queens schools since Sept. 11, Schiralli said, while cards and drawings from students have continued to arrive at the firehouse from as far away as Germany.
“We don’t throw anything away,” Schiralli said of the children’s drawings and notes, where are displayed all over the firehouse. “It boost our spirits up … the guys appreciate it tremendously.”
Reach reporter Betsy Scheinbart by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 138.
