Frank Jacinto Elementary Students Learn When 911 Is the Right Call

For first graders at Frank Jacinto Elementary School, a recent safety lesson with Officer Dave Kusznir focused on one of the most important numbers they can know: 911. Through simple examples and questions, students learned what an emergency is, when to call for help and why knowing personal information like their full name and address matters.

“You call 911 for emergencies,” Officer Kusznir told students as he walked them through situations where someone is hurt, in danger or needs immediate help. He also helped them understand that not every problem is a 911 call. “It’s very bad to call 911 if there’s no emergency,” he said, explaining that unnecessary calls can pull police, firefighters and emergency responders away from people who may truly need help.

As part of the lesson, students also practiced thinking about the questions they may need to answer if they ever have to call. “911. What’s your emergency?” Officer Kusznir said, reminding them that emergency dispatchers need clear information so they can send the right help as quickly as possible.

One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of learning key information at home. “It’s very important that you guys learn your full name and your address,” Officer Kusznir told the class. “If you don’t know your name or address, it’s going to be hard for me to find out where you live or who you are.”

He also explained why details matter in an emergency, especially when every second counts. If first responders do not know exactly where someone is, it becomes harder to get help there quickly. That is why lessons like this are about more than memorizing a number. They are about helping young students feel prepared, confident and safe.

Officer Kusznir is sharing this lesson with kindergarten and first grade students across Lorain City Schools’ elementary buildings, giving young learners a better understanding of when to call 911 and what information they should know in an emergency. By starting these conversations early, the district is helping students build safety awareness that can make a real difference at home and in the community.