The Kent Fire Department participated in the Gift of Life, an annual presentation at Kentwood High School Thursday designed to increase teenage awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving.

The presentation involved a simulated car crash involving teenagers who had left a high school graduation party where alcohol was available. Student actors played the parts of the victims and witnesses. In order to increase the realism of the presentation, police, fire, Medic One, and a local ambulance company also participated.

The simulation is conducted similar to an actual crash scene with firefighters performing an extrication of victims and treatment of the injured. One of the teens, who plays the part of the drunk driver, was arrested in the simulation following a sobriety test conducted by a city of Covington police officer. The program is graphic and is intended to show teens the reality of a serious crash and what takes place.

The crash simulation was followed by a school assembly where guest speakers discuss drinking and driving and the consequences of making poor decisions.