



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 |
---|---|
2002 | 3,331 |
2003 | 2,958 |
2004 | 1,394 |
2005 | 4,207 |
2006 | 3,871 |
2007 | 4,464 |
2008 | 4,139 |
2009 | 4,513 |
2010 | 4,125 |
2011 | 2,861 |
2012 | 3,495 |
2013 | 3,209 |
2014 | 3,112 |
2015 | 3,483 |
2016 | 2,473 |
2017 | 1,931 |
2018 | 2362 |
2019 | 2755 |
2020 | Covid Restrictions |
Total Children That Attended Programs | 58,683 |