Trip to Alexandra Fire Station and Queenstown Neighbourhood Police Centre on 27 July 2024

By Deputy Senior Sixer Zeqi

Today, we visited the fire station and police station. We met at 8 am, but due to the fogging, we gathered in the library first. There, we went over safety rules and made sure we were hydrated by drinking and refilling our water bottles.

We were then divided into two groups, each assigned to a different bus. Soon, we reached the fire station, which was impressive in its height and presence. Upon arrival, we went through a bag check at the entrance and were led to the waiting area where we had a great view of the fire engine and ladder. It was tall and majestic.

Then, we were greeted by the fireman. We were instructed to split into three groups. Each group was led by either a fireman or a police officer. We took turns to visit each station.

My group followed along the fireman who explained the purpose and history of the fire station. We also observed the various lifesaving ambulance.

Then, we went to see how fast the firemen could put on their gears. The target time was within one minute. Two firemen competed in a friendly competition. One of the firemen was an alumnus of Henry Park, and the other was a sergeant. The first try was regarded as “warm up round.” On the second round, the sergeant finished within one minute while the other fireman went slightly over. We enjoyed looking at them and cheering for them. After, taking a photo with them, we headed to the activity area. We completed a simple activity sheet and headed to the highlight of the fire station trip― the water hose. Putting out fire cannot exclude the use of water hoses. We were treated to a special opportunity to manage the water hose and shoot down targets. It was very cool and fun.

After that, we went to see another vehicle called the Red Rhino. It was interesting learning about the various purposes of the car. Soon, it was time to leave and go to the police station. We went there through a back door to enter a protected area. There, we learnt about the functions and facilities of the police station. Then, we headed to the basement and split into two groups, one all boys and the other all girls. The boys group went to the weapon lockers while the girls group went to the police vehicle parking area.

In the parking area, we had a chance to check out the new and older police car models side by side. The new cars were packed with high-tech gadgets like advanced communication systems and modern safety features. They looked sleek and had updated designs compared to the older models, which had more basic equipment and a more traditional look. It was interesting to see how police vehicles have changed over the years to keep up with new technology and needs.

After that, we moved on to the weapon lockers. Here, we learned about the different types of weapons used by the police. The guide showed us handguns and other tools like tasers and pepper spray, explaining what each was used for. We also got a look at how the locker system works, which keeps everything organized and secure. The emphasis was on the importance of proper handling and storage to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Soon, our trip ended. After a pack photo, we headed back to school by bus. In school, we were debriefed and had sixers council before being dismissed.