When participants in Abington School District�s annual 24-Hour Relay Challenge aren�t walking for their team, they can gear up in firefighting apparel and learn some life-saving skills compliments of Abington Township Fire Department (ATFD).

The 24-Hour Relay Challenge is a township tradition that raises money for Citizens and Police Together � an Abington-based nonprofit through which citizen volunteers and police support community projects within the township. Relay team members take turns walking around the track while non-walking teammates participate in a variety of activities. ATFD is pleased to take part in this community effort!

Department volunteers help suit up participants so they can experience the realities of entering a burning building by crawling through a tent filled with nontoxic smoke. �It was hard to see in there,� McKinley Elementary School student Jake Moss said after last year�s event. He and a friend geared up in the firefighter uniform and worked their way through the smoke house. �It really helped me realize that firefighters do what many people cannot do for themselves.�

Throughout the demonstrations, ATFD volunteers were on hand to answer questions and show off their unique skill sets that help keep the community safe. �Being a firefighter is a great way to help the community and keep it a safe and beautiful place,� Roslyn Fire Company volunteer firefighter Kevin Bryson said. �That�s why I volunteer.�

Participants also learned how to use fire extinguishers by aiming and firing at a controlled grill fire. �I believe that people who volunteer have a greater caring for other people,� said mother Sue Cherry, who brought her son to the demonstration. She hoped this would encourage him to sign up as a volunteer.