Photo by LORETTA JACKSON A team mentored by Lt. Dan Neuman includes a Thorntons Ferry School student donning a bulky firefighter’s suit for a rapid run down a course marked with orange safety cones and a return to the starting line.

Cake and ice cream awaited Fire Muster participants from four Merrimack elementary schools who proved to be high-caliber competition.

Those engaging in a rigorous trio of challenges undertook the tasks at Fire Muster, a tradition of around 18 years that annually is hosted by members of Merrimack Fire and Rescue.

The event, sponsored by the Professional Firefighters of Merrimack IAFF Local 2904, took place March 30 at Mastricola Elementary School, 7 School St.

It was won by the team from Mastricola Upper Elementary, 26 Baboosic Lake Road. A handsome plaque that features an authentic brass fire bell was a prize well received by the team and its mentor, Firefighter Shawn Kimball.

Captain John Manuele, fire marshal, welcomed attendees, as did Matt Duke, assistant fire chief, and a crew of department volunteers. The pair announced events – Midnight Alarm, Bucket Brigade and Hose Lay. Each contest was embraced with gusto by the competitors.

Manuele stresses the urgent need for every family and individual to make sure that there is at least one working smoke alarm at home and in the workplace.

“Merrimack has gone more than 25 years without a fatal house fire,” Manuele later said. “Now, we’ve had two this year.”

The people who died, according to fire department reports, included an elderly couple with no working smoke alarm who lived on Gail Road and a man who died in a home fire on Riverside Drive. They are gone, forever.

Manuele later added that smoke alarms are available at the fire station for those in need, as is assistance in mounting the units. Smoke alarms purchased retail range from around $6 to $20-plus and many include carbon monoxide detectors.

The Fire Muster competition drew dozens of students. Captain Brian Dubreuil mentored the team from Mastricola Elementary School, who turned out in yellow T-shirts. Firefighter Shawn Kimball guided green-clad students from Mastricola Upper Elementary School. Thorntons Ferry School students, resplendent in blue, were coached by Lt. Dan Newman. Firefighter Lorenzo DiPaola spurred on the red-shirted team from Reeds Ferry School.

The Midnight Alarm event and Hose Lay drill were especially strenuous. Hose Lay required teammates to assemble behind a replica of a fire hydrant and, upon a signal, dash away to connect two hoses together and pull the joined length to a finish line. The Bucket Brigade required relay runs with pails filled with foam pellets. Midnight Alarm required dressing in fire gear and running. High fives were plentiful.

The community is invited to learn about other programs available through Merrimack Fire and Rescue.

The Fire / EMS Explorer Program offers “Learning for Life” education for young adults ages 14-19. A “Juvenile Firesetter Program” is available to help reduce the number of fires set through curiosity, accidentally, or otherwise, by youngsters under age 16. A “Kid’s Corner” offers coloring books, safety quizzes and home safety inspection checklists. A “Puzzles & Games” section awaits. The message online is a standing invitation:

“Have fun and stop by the station for a visit,” the webmaster states.

Information from Merrimack Fire and Rescue, 432 Daniel Webster Highway, can be had by calling 424-3690 or online: merrimacknh.gov/fire-and-rescue-department.gov.

Loretta Jackson may be contacted via email:

ljackson@nashuatelegraph.com