The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced Barry Brickey, the Public Education Officer for the Kingsport, Tenn. Fire Department, as the new voice of "Sparky the Fire Dog."
Brickey won the role through a national competition, in which the NFPA selected three finalists from among 25 competitors, and thousands of people voted for their favorite via Sparky's Facebook page. Brickey's winning video can be viewed at www.nfpa.org/SparkysBirthday.
Hewill be the voice of Sparky throughout 2011 and will receive an authentic Sparky the Fire Dog costume, a trip to the Boston, Mass. area to record for the NFPA Fire Prevention Week video, and Fire Prevention Week public education materials.
"I am honored to represent the Kingsport Fire Department and the fire service as the new 'Voice of Sparky,'" said Brickey in a prepared statement. "Those are very large boots to fill! I'm looking forward to helping Sparky spread the word about fire and life safety."
Brickey has been a member of the Kingsport Fire Department since 2006, and he does public education full-time. He was already employing the assistance of a robotic Sparky the Fire Dog, which can be seen in his video submission.
The NFPA launched this contest to kick-off Sparky's 60th birthday celebration, which will take place March 18. For more information on the "Voice of Sparky" contest and other Sparky birthday celebrations throughout the year, see www.nfpa.org/SparkysBirthday.
