Members of West Penn Fire Co. No. 1 visited West Penn Elementary School students to teach them about fire safety - and show them what it’s like to be a firefighter.

The Friday event was part of National Fire Prevention Week, and featured presentations by firefighters and a chance to see the company’s vehicles up close.

But the highlight came as a surprise to students, half of whom were assembled in the school gymnasium as an announcement blared over the loudspeaker.

“Please stand on the sidewalk like you did this morning - and put your eyes to the sky,” the alert advised.

Within minutes of gathering outside, the students heard and saw it - a MedEvac helicopter circling above.

“Look! Look!,” one student yelled as he pointed toward the ascending chopper.

Once it landed on the school’s front lawn, children lined up to have a firsthand look.

Meanwhile, West Penn firefighters and Penn Mahoning Ambulance crews invited students to learn about the vehicles they brought to the school.

The all-day visit also featured important messages from the fire company.

“If a fire is in your house, what do you do?,” fire Chief Jeff Bradford asked.

In unison - and at high volume - the students responded, “Call 911!”

Two firefighters in full turnout gear crawled across the gymnasium floor to simulate what children might see in a home fire emergency.

“Don’t be afraid. This is what we look like when we are coming to find you,” Bradford said. “Don’t run from us.”

Firefighters dressed fifth grade student Chase Reinhard in full turnout gear.

“This is what we wear when we go to all of our fires and emergencies,” Bradford explained.

Children also learned the technique of “stop, drop and roll” and were reminded to check their home’s smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.