Mahopac Central School District staff recently joined forces with the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department to support a hands-on bus evacuation drill. The training, held at the firehouse, gave volunteer firefighters the opportunity to practice essential safety procedures designed to prepare them for school vehicle-related emergencies.
Using district buses for the exercise, instructors from the fire department guided participants through step-by-step evacuation scenarios. The drill focused on how to exit buses safely and efficiently, while also emphasizing the importance of staying calm and working together during an emergency.
Leading the training were Assistant Chief Dan Johnson, Firefighter John Mulvaney, a retired Mahopac bus driver, and volunteer firefighter Argie Kavalieratos, a current Mahopac bus driver. Their firsthand knowledge of student transportation and emergency protocols provided valuable insights for both district staff and volunteer firefighters.
“The professionalism of the instructors made this training incredibly valuable,” Interim Superintendent of Schools Frank Miele said. “Their expertise with buses and emergency procedures helped ensure that our partners in the fire department gained a deeper understanding of what to do in an emergency.”
Michael Mongon, president of the Mahopac Board of Education, agreed, "We are grateful for their partnership and their commitment to keeping our students safe."
The annual drill is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to student safety and emergency preparedness, and it reflects the strong collaboration between Mahopac schools and community first responders.