Camp 911 teaches students rescue procedures

ONTONAGON - Fifth grade students from the Ontonagon and Ewen Trout Creek Schools Thursday learned about the many safety and protective programs available to them in the county.

It was the ninth annual 911 program coordinated by Sheriff Dale Rantala with the help of more than eight law enforcement and safety groups.

Fire departments, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Conservation, search and rescue, ambulance, Upper Peninsula Power Company, and police officials guided the children through demonstrations of safety and rescue procedures and answered questions.

The Ontonagon Fire Department demonstrated how victims are extricated from wrecked cars. The cars were donated by Howie's Towing and hauled to the site by the Pestka Construction Company. Bill Johnson of the Ontonagon Fire Department and Emergency Services director, demonstrated to the children the proper use of a fire extinguisher.

One of the big attractions to the children was the large air-boat from the Great Lakes Indian Fish Wildlife Conservation Unit.

In addition there were electrical displays from UPPCO, a tour of SONCO Ambulance, demonstrations from the Porcupine Mountain Search and Rescue teams, and explanations from law enforcement officials. The event was coordinated in blocks so that small groups rotated from one demonstration to another with ample time for questions. The Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital provided food for the project.

Sheriff Rantala said the 911 camp was the brain child of the late Jackie Strauch and has been continued under the leadership of the Ontonagon County Sheriff's Department. "The chance for kids to see and meet the people who protect them and get answers to questions will take away some of the fear they may have," Rantala said. He explained that it will aid the kids to not be afraid to call for help when it is needed. He added that he had to thank all the parties who participated because without them the program would not be possible.