Press Release
ROOSEVLET FIRE DEPARTMENT TEAMS UP WITH STATE SENATOR STEVE SALAND TO PROMOTE FIRE SAFETY -
In early September of 2002, Roosevelt Fire Department representatives Chris Petsas and Ted Plass met with State Senator Steve Saland to ask for his assistance to obtain funding for a nearly $9000 fire prevention robot called "Sparky the Fire Dog". (This was under the direction of Roosevelt Fire Chief Lew Darrow and Assistant Chief in charge of fire prevention Roy Hall)
Sparky is an animated miniature fire truck robot used to teach both children and adults the importance of fire safety. Sparky can speak, play music, is mobile, has lights and sirens, can move its head, eyes and mouth and is the leading advocate for the National Fire Protection Agency.
After meeting with the Senator and stressing the importance of promoting fire safety and the need to obtain a more "technologically advanced and interactive" tool, the Senators office awarded the fire department a $8000 grant in February 2003, for the purpose of purchasing Sparky, with the district covering the balance.
Sparky was delivered to the volunteer fire department on March 11, 2003 and has since been lettered ~ free of charge ~ through the generosity of 'Lenco Signs' of Hyde Park. Members of the departments 'fire prevention committee' have also trained on it for use at upcoming events. It is a dynamic and attention catching tool that will be used to further educate the community about what to do in case of an emergency, but most importantly how to prevent one from occurring. This is one of many steps taken by the department over the last year to expand its fire prevention program, which has seen incredible growth and success.
This years Town of Hyde Park Memorial Day parade, on Monday, May 27, will be the backdrop for the unveiling of the fire departments newest addition to their expanding fire prevention program. Senator Saland has been invited to lead the fire department procession, along with Sparky.
Sparky will be used during the departments visits to local schools during "Fire Prevention Week", day care center visits, and at the departments "Fire Prevention Open House" which will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2003 during "National Fire Prevention Week". Sparky will also be used at other gatherings at the firehouse and within the community. The department is also offering use of the robot to neighboring fire departments.
The department extends its gratitude to Senator Saland and his staff for their support of the fire department community. His commitment to a safer community is greatly admired by the fire service.
|
