The Community Based Instruction (CBI) program at Dawson County High School has embarked on another community venture-this time with the Dawson County Emergency Services.

The two entities have started a risk-reduction program that will be a one-of-a kind fire and life safety program for the exceptional children of DCHS.

The students visited fire station No. 2 and quickly learned the ins and outs of being a firefighter in Dawson County. First they punched their time cards.

The CBI teachers and students participated in a morning muster call and were given instructions for their day, including being divided into teams and learning the firefighter's routine.

"I am very excited about this partnership and we are looking at bringing it to our CBI group at the middle school level in the near future," said Edith Banta, CBI program lead for the Department of Exceptional Children at DCHS.

Students toured the station, helped with daily chores and helped make sure that all of the fire apparatus was fully functional and stocked with proper equipment.

Firefighters bonded with the students and saw this as an opportunity to influence some of the young adults in Dawson County. A second meeting was arranged after the success of the first outing.

During the second visit, students went through the morning rituals before learning about important fire drills in the home. They learned how to create an exit drill and then practiced it.

The students then developed personal plans for their own homes.

"I would also like to add how wonderful these men are with our students," Banta said. "The pictures say it all. When we visit, our staff does very little but observe as the fire fighters assist our kids where needed."

The two groups plan to continue the educational program and meeting throughout the school year.