Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog Memorial Service live-streamed
June 25, 2011 • Trends • Most Popular
By: Firefighter Dayna Hilton
On October 26th, 2010, I lost my best friend, Sparkles (the Fire Safety Dog). Sparkles was rescued from a home with 62 dogs and gained international attention with her fire safety efforts since being adopted in 2003. Sparkles loved being a part of the fire service.
Best known for her red toenails and tail that never stopped wagging, Sparkles loved the fire service. It was though she was born to be a fire safety educator. Sparkles found her calling in the fire service; she loved nothing more than being with children and demonstrating fire safety messages for her friends.
During her lifetime, Sparkles reached millions of children and their caregivers; she helped save the lives of seven children and two adults. Little Angelica Riggins, then age 5, shared this story with me after she completely lost her home to fire. “I was under the ‘cobers’ and the smoke came. I got down low and crawled, just like Sparkles told me to. I said, ‘Daddy, Daddy, you have to get down and crawl low just like Sparkles’.”
By this time Angelica’s dad was disoriented due to the smoke, but he was able to follow Angelica out of the house. The firefighters later shared with me that the minute Angelica’s father reached the threshold of the door, the house flashed over. Fortunately, they were able to get him out safely due to Angelica’s quick thinking. We were so very thankful that Angelica and her father were safe. Sparkles and I have, and will continue, to keep children, like Angelica, safe from fire.
The inspiration for Sparkles came to me when I was taking a public education class at the National Fire Academy. Therefore, the Academy will always hold a special place in my heart. To carry on Sparkles’ legacy and to support the work of the National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation, we have worked with National Fallen Fighter Foundation to establish, “Sparkles’ Pathway” on the Walk of Honor® on the National Emergency Training Center campus. This special walkway will not only memorialize Sparkles and her tireless efforts to help keep children fire safe, but it will also serve as a reminder of the importance of fire safety to those who trod on the Sparkles’ Pathway for many, many years to come.
Today, Sparkles’ work is being continued through her friends, Siren and Tango. These two Dalmatians are stepping up to the plate for Sparkles, and they are especially looking forward to helping support the work of National Fallen Firefighter Foundation. Will you please join Tango and Siren in this worthy effort by donating for a brick in this special section? Now is the time to show your support for Fire Safety Education and the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation by helping to complete this permanent tribute to the American Fire Service.
Her service will be also be live-streamed on the 29th beginning at 11:00 A.M. ET at http://www.sparklesthefiresafetydog.com/sparklesmemorialservice.html
