3rd-Grader Rides To School In Fire Truck For Winning Escape Plan

DOWNERS GROVE, IL -- A Downers Grove third-grader recently rode to school in style after her home fire escape plan won a contest held by the Downers Grove Fire Department. Mika, a student at Belle Aire Elementary School, was treated to a ride in a fire truck, along with her friend Lena and her teacher, Mrs. Fulton.

Downers Grove Fire Department spokesperson Marsha Giesler said Mika rode in the front seat of the fire engine while Lena and Mrs. Fulton rode in back. Before heading to school, they made a pit stop at Fire Station #3 to eat breakfast with local firefighters.

They then toured the fire station to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Downers Grove Fire Department does its work.

Giesler said students from throughout District 58 submitted their home escape plans as part of the Fire Department's Learn Not To Burn program. Giesler added that "Mika did an exceptional job on her plan."

When Mika arrived at school in the fire truck, she was greeted by her fellow students and the principal of Belle Aire Elementary. She even got to honk the fire truck horn.

Congratulations, Mika.