GIFD Announces Winners of Annual Fire Escape Plan Contest

Grand Island, Neb. — The Grand Island Fire Department has announced the winners of its annual Fire Escape Plan contest, recognizing 15 third-grade students from local schools for their creativity and understanding of fire safety. They are:

Name                                                 School
Angelly Mercado Saldivar                      Dodge Elementary
Remington Stutzman                                 Shoemaker Elementary
Karelyn Vargas Chavez                             Lincoln Elementary
Alaina Emery                                             Stolley Park Elementary
Anna Manchester                                      Trinity Lutheran
Rogelio Cifuentes Martin                           Jefferson Elementary
Raegan Warner                                         Engelman Elementary
Felipe Mateo Lopez                                   Howard Elementary
Evy Sanchez                                             Newell Elementary
Carson Engle                                            Grand Island Central Catholic Elementary
Thomas O’Neill                                         Gates Elementary
Emma Vogel                                             Wasmer Elementary
Hazel Kluska                                             Starr Elementary
Royalty Garcia                                         West Lawn Elementary
Zeke Garcia                                              Knickrehm Elementary

Each year, the contest challenges third-grade students across Grand Island to design a detailed plan showing two exits from every room, a family meeting place outside and safe paths to escape in case of a fire. Firefighters review every submission, selecting winners based on accuracy, creativity and clarity.

As part of the celebration, each of the 15 winners received a special ride to school this morning aboard a Grand Island Fire Department fire truck, giving them a fun and memorable start to their day. The overall winner was also treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience — a ride in the department’s aerial platform truck outside their school, where classmates and teachers gathered to cheer as the platform was raised high above the campus. The tradition serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of fire safety while rewarding students for their effort and creativity in helping make their families safer.

The program has been a proud Grand Island Fire Department tradition, teaching students and families the importance of preparedness through hands-on learning.

“Fires can move quickly, and having a plan can make all the difference,” said Fire Chief Cory Schmidt. “By involving third graders, we’re helping them take that lesson home and share it with their families. The goal is simple—practice your plan before you ever need it.”

The contest is part of the department’s larger effort to promote community-wide fire prevention and safety education, coinciding each year with Fire Prevention Week. Through activities like this, GIFD continues to encourage every household to plan, practice and stay prepared.

See an interview with Fire Chief Cory Schmidt here