District 148 lauds efforts of students,
Riverdale Fire-Rescue administrator

Riverdale Fire-Rescue Department Deputy Fire Chief Chris Van Dyke
 poses with a winner of the Breakfast with the Firefighters contest.

Four Dolton West Elementary District 148 students recently were honored for winning the 6th Annual Riverdale Fire-Rescue Department’s Breakfast with the Firefighters contest.

Certificates of Recognition were on hand for the students during the School Board’s October 22nd meeting. Only one winner was in attendance at the meeting and her commendation from the district was presented by Riverdale Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Chris Van Dyke.

In addition, District 148 Superintendent Jayne Purcell presented Van Dyke with a certificate on behalf of the district and the School Board in appreciation of Van Dyke’s efforts and his work with the children of Riverdale.

This year’s contest had students in District 148, Patton Elementary District 133, Pace School, and The Promise Christian Academy coloring, drawing pictures, writing expository or persuasive essays or using other mediums to convey their thoughts about firefighters and the fire department’s role in the community.

The annual event is intended to promote fire safety and fire prevention among children and provide them with an understanding and appreciation of the fire-rescue department’s work, Van Dyke said.

Winners were chosen from each school and the fire-rescue department presented each with a certificate, a ribbon, a bank and the chance to come to the Riverdale firehouse for breakfast cooked by the firefighters.