Firefighters were invited to submit videos of themselves giving their best Sparky impersonation from February 1 through February 16. More than 25 firefighters did, the NFPA reports, and they have narrowed it down to three: Barry Brickey of Kingsport, Tenn., Steve McAdoo of Clackamas, Ore., and Alex Mickschl of Spokane, Wash.
It is now up to the public to choose the winner. Voting has opened and will run for one week, through Monday, February 28, 2011. Participants may vote for one video each day through the contest week. The winner will be announced on March 1, 2011.
To vote, log onto Sparky's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/sparkythefiredog and click on the Contests tab to submit an official vote. If you are not a Facebook user, vote on Sparky's Birthday link at http://www.nfpa.org/sparkysbirthday.
"We were extremely impressed by how many creative, thoughtful and talented entries we received, and it was very difficult to choose just three," said Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of communications, in a prepared statement.
"All the entries were fantastic but Barry, Steve and Alex really epitomized how we feel the voice of Sparky should be represented. Overall, we were excited to see the passion that so many firefighters displayed for educating their community, and the many ways that the Sparky mascot helps them get their message across."
For additional information on the "Voice of Sparky" contest and other Sparky birthday celebrations throughout the year, visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org/SparkysBirthday.
