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SEE SPOT TEACH - $14,600 grant helps fund fire-safety teaching tool

BY ELIZABETH CAMPBELL; FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER

BURLESON — Emma Eubanks learned that it's not cool to play with matches and to always call 911 for the fire department or police.

Emma and other children from the Building Blocks Child Development day-care center saw Burleson's new fire-safety robot, "Patches and Pumper," in action Thursday.

Patches is a Dalmatian that rides in a red fire truck named Pumper, complete with lights, a siren and a system to spray water.

Burleson received a $14,600 grant for the robot from the Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. and WM Rigg Co. Fire Marshal Stacy Singleton said the robot is an excellent tool for teaching children about the importance of fire safety.

"Kids should learn about fire safety when they are old enough to understand that fire is dangerous and that heat can hurt them," she said.

On Thursday, Patches and the truck were operated and voiced by Burleson fire inspector David Butler, who stood out of sight.

As Patches maneuvered his truck around the kids, Butler asked, "Do you play with matches and lighters?"

"No!" the children said.

FIRE SAFETY FOR KIDS

  • Call 911 if you need the fire department or the police.
  • Don't play with lighters or matches.
  • Tell an adult if you see someone playing with lighters or matches.