Ripley Middle School Community Helpers Week Hosts Firefighters

Firefighters from the local fire department visited Ripley Middle School this week as part of Ripley Middle School Community Helpers Week, giving students in the school’s RMS All-Stars group a close-up look at the gear and the work that keeps Tippah County residents safe. The school shared photos of the visit on its official Facebook page Thursday, Oct. 15.

The school said students “enjoyed learning about the important job firefighters do and how they help keep our community safe,” and thanked the firefighters for taking time out of their day to come to campus.

Inside the Firefighter Visit at Ripley Middle School

Photos posted by the school show a firefighter in a classroom with his turnout gear laid out on the floor, including a protective coat, boots and air packs. Students took turns trying on firefighter helmets and talking with the visitors.

Ripley Middle School, on South Clayton Street in Ripley, serves students in grades 5 through 8 and is part of the South Tippah School District. In a separate post, the school also thanked Barrett Hopkins and Johnathan Ragin for visiting the RMS All-Stars as part of the same week.

What Community Helpers Week Teaches

Community Helpers Week is a common classroom theme that introduces students to the people who serve their town every day, such as firefighters, police officers, medical workers and other public servants. Meeting those helpers in person can make the jobs feel real and approachable, and it gives students a chance to ask questions directly.

For firefighters, school visits are also a chance to share safety lessons. Showing students what a firefighter looks like in full gear can help children stay calm, rather than hide, if they ever need to be rescued from a fire.

A Timely Reminder About Fire Safety in Tippah County

The visit comes during a dry stretch for north Mississippi. As of Oct. 15, Tippah County remains under an outdoor burn ban, according to the Mississippi Forestry Commission’s county burn ban map. During a burn ban, outdoor burning of any kind is not allowed, including campfires, bonfires, fire pits, burn barrels and debris burning. The Forestry Commission notes that violators can face a fine of $100 to $500.

Families can carry the lessons from school home with a few simple steps:

• Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
• Make a home escape plan with two ways out of every room, and pick a meeting spot outside.
• Teach children to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothes catch fire.
• Remind kids that firefighters are there to help, even when they look different in their gear.
• Follow the county burn ban and avoid any outdoor burning until it is lifted.

Supporting Local First Responders

Ripley Middle School closed its post with a message of appreciation: “We appreciate all you do for our community!” Visits like this one help build trust between young people and the first responders who serve Ripley and the rest of Tippah County.

For more local news, see Tippah County Cold Front Friday Ends Heat, Brings Fall Chill and Hornsby Fire Department Lands $290K in Grants, Seeks Match.

Source: Ripley Middle School (Facebook); burn ban status: Mississippi Forestry Commission