Big John the talking fire engine Fire Safety Program

Child Fire Safety Program

Your child can attended a fire safety program with “Big John” the talking fire engine. Big John is a 1981 Crown Fire Engine that was Purchased from the Huntington Beach Fire Department in 2005. The engine is named after and dedicated to the wishes of Monsignor John Sammon, Fire Service Chaplain for over 60 years. “Big John’s” voice was donated by Thurol Ravenscroft (the legendary voice of Tony-the-Tiger).

The Fire Engine That Talks

As ” Big John” talks about fire safety to the children he “cries” real water from his headlights because he is sad when children are injured by fire and he “smiles and waves” by his light bar lighting up because the children are learning to be fire safe. The engine’s program is interactive soliciting children’s answers to questions such as; “Do you know what number to call when there’s an emergency at your house?” There is a pause for the children to answer and then “Big John” responds with, “That’s right, boys and girls!”

Exploring and Learning

The firefighter conducting the program expands the curriculum further by talking about Stop, Drop and Roll, caution about playing with matches, lighters or cigarettes, crawling low under fire, how a smoke alarm sounds, how to dial 9-1-1 and what “Big John’s” equipment looks and sounds like. Children are allowed up on the fire engine to explore, feel comfortable, put on equipment and ask questions. Parent attendance is encouraged and welcome.

Schedule A Visit

You can bring the Big John talking fire engine to your daycare, office, preschool, neighborhood or home. Simply click the button below and fill in a few questions and you will be contacted by our Big John specialist to schedule your visit.

Total Number of Children Programs

Year of Programs# of Children
20023,331
20032,958
20041,394
20054,207
20063,871
20074,464
20084,139
20094,513
20104,125
20112,861
20123,495
20133,209
20143,112
20153,483
20162,473
20171,931
20182362
20192755
2020 Covid Restrictions
Total Children That Attended Programs58,683

— Conversations With Children Are Important —

At Orange County Fire Services Association we teach children how important it is to be prepared for an emergency. If a fire ever started in your house it can be life threatening in just two minutes. Does your child know what to do if an emergency did occur, does your child know how to dial 911?