“Sparky” the fire dog is a Dalmatian who has been the official mascot of the “National Fire Protection Association”, a United States organization in charge of creating and maintaining minimum standards and requirements for fire prevention, suppression training, and equipment since 1951.  This past week “Sparky” visited with Trion Head Start to talk with kids about fire safety.

“Sparky” was the guest of the Trion Fire Department who visited Head Start at Trion.

The Trion Fire Department said, “Fire Prevention at Trion Head Start was a huge success. Sparky was very excited to see all the kids. Thank you to Trion Head Start for allowing us to stop by…”

Kids know and love him, parents grew up with him, and grandparents remember his messages of fire safety.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, “For seven decades, Sparky has worked hard to make communities safer from fire. Since 1951, he has partnered with fire professionals, teachers, civic organizations, corporations and the media to deliver invaluable fire and life safety educational messages to children and adults alike,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA.

Over the years, the iconic fire dog has used a multitude of educational techniques, including books, tip sheets, online resources, videos, apps and NFPA’s national public safety campaign, Fire Prevention Week, to share important safety messages like “Stop, drop and roll”; “Get out, stay out”; “Dial 9-1-1”; and “Know two ways out.” His dogged determination has ultimately helped reduce fire loss and injuries in North America.