Local students get a visit from Edison's bravest

PHOTOS BY JEFF GRANIT staff Students at the Lakeview School in Edison had a chance to meet some real-life heroes last week during the students' annual pizza party.

Robert Muth (r), dressed up as a firefighter during the Edison Fire Fighters Association's annual pizza party for students at the Lakeview School on Dec. 17. Jenny Radon, (l) teaching assistant, assists Robert with a cart of pizza to bring back to his classmates. PHOTOS BY JEFF GRANIT staff Lakeview, which is operated by the Cerebral Palsy Association of Middlesex County, hosted members of the Edison Firefighters Association as part of the day's events. The youngsters also had a chance to view firefighting equipment and a fire engine.

"We've had an association with the Lakeview School for a number of years now," Robert Yackel, president of the Edison Fire Fighters Association, said. "It gives the kids at the school a chance to become more familiar with us."

Diane Giacento, Lakeview School supervisor of education, said the firefighters have been a part of the event for many years.

Firefighter Paul Weeks (r) shakes hands with Jorge Romero-Perez during the Edison Fire Fighters Association's annual pizza party for students at the Lakeview School on Dec. 17. "The kids really do enjoy it when the firefighters come down to spend time with them," Giacento said. "They know when the firefighters are coming, and they really do anticipate the visit."

About 10 firemen came down and took the time to talk to the students about their job and the fun they have doing it.

"The biggest thing for these guys is that they want to give back to the community in any way possible," said Doug Kosup, Fire Fighters Association vice president. "These guys come down to the school on their free time and they want to be there. There's been years when we could not accommodate the amount of firefighters that wanted to get involved in the event. It's really great to see that so many of our guys have stepped up over the years."

Giacento said members of the department also come during the fall and give the students an opportunity to play on a fire truck.

"When the weather is warm, sometimes the kids can play with the hose and spray just a little bit of water," Giacento said. "For these guys to come here year after year, it really does mean a lot to our students."

The school has about 180 students and is a private special-education facility.