Fire Sailing Class Partnership

It does not happen often enough that people come together to improve our greatest resource - "our children". This is one method that may unlock the minds of others to initiate their own programs or request assistance to make a difference. The success is based upon people who care, from parents, neighbors, children, churches, and fire personnel who act as mentors, setting examples for others that improve people, community and government.

For 3 years Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue has partnered with Calvary Episcopal Church to provide sailing lessons free of charge to children 7 to 16 years of age. This program is dedicated to providing instruction and hands on experience that will teach young people basic sailing, seamanship and navigation skills. Classes were conducted June 2nd through June 13th at Calvary Episcopal Church with all 15 students successfully graduating this half-day course. Sailing classes are scheduled for August as well, with a waiting list. We would like to thank Parishioners Chuck Pond, Ned Baugh and Harvey Brillat, as well as Father Bob Wagenseil for their time, and we thank each and every one of you, as we are proud to say some of our beginners are now acting as assistants in improving life.

Picture of Sailing Class: Background left to right: FF/EMT James Fehl, FF/Paramedics Dave McNally, E.T. Anderson, Louis Stoneburg, Tony Vlach and Father Bob Wagenseil, Calvary Episcopal Church.