Your child can attended a fire safety program with "Big John" the talking fire engine. Big John is a 1967 Crown Fire Engine that was donated by the Orange County Fire Authority to the Orange County Fire Services Association in 1992. 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).

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!"

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.

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