Second graders at Pleasant Valley Elementary School had an opportunity to tour a mobile command unit truck on Oct. 25, and learn about how and when to call 911, as well as what to say if they do need to call.

Joan Bumbulsky, a second grade teacher at PVE, organized the event.

“This education is so important,” she said. “People take for granted that these kids know their last names and addresses, but they don’t.”

Bumbulsky said that became clear when her young grandson, who doesn’t live in the area, needed to call 911 to help a family member and didn’t know all the answers to the dispatcher’s questions. Ultimately, emergency crews were able to respond, but the incident was an eye-opener for Bumbulsky and her family. That’s what led her to email the Monroe County Control Center and ask if they have a presentation on 911 for elementary school children.

“They answered me back instantly and said yes,” Bumbulsky said.

Angie Henning, a 911 systems specialist and dispatcher, responded to that email. She goes out to several schools, but hadn’t been to Pleasant Valley yet.

“I like the little kids. They’re so fun and so eager to learn,” Henning said. “It feels great to talk to such a willing audience.”

The students were split into two groups, with one group touring the mobile command unit and the other listening to Henning’s presentation, then they switched places. Henning said the truck has computers and radios in it that crews can use in the event of a big emergency.

For Henning’s presentation, she talked to the children about when it is appropriate to call 911. For instance, she asked them if they should call if they are fighting with a friend over a toy. The children said no. How about if a cat is stuck in a tree? The children said yes, but Henning said no. She told them it is best to tell their parents first, and most of the time a cat will come down on its own.

Henning also did practice 911 calls with the children, and taught them a trick to remembering their address. She said to sing their address to the tune of “London Bridges,” and used her address as an example.

“Preparation is key,” Hennings said. “It’s important to have them prepared in case of an emergency and they’re the ones that have to call 911.”