Sparky Welcomes Marion’s Youngest Fire Safety Crew

Marion, N.Y. — October 16, 2026 — Marion Elementary kindergarteners visited the Marion Fire Department for a Fire Prevention Month field trip, where they learned about fire safety and volunteer firefighters. 

Nine department members participated in the visit, as announced by the department. Various volunteers gave their personal work time to assist with the program. 

Sparky the Fire Dog introduced the students to the group, and then firefighters covered basic fire safety practices. The curriculum covered essential safety actions like stop, drop, and rolling while protecting the face, the proper response to a smoke alarm, the dangers of children playing with fire, and safe building evacuation procedures during emergencies. 

Firefighters also demonstrated their protective gear and explained how it is used during emergency operations. The department said helping children become familiar with firefighters in full gear can reduce fear and make it easier for them to recognize firefighters as helpers during an emergency.

Students then put their lessons into practice by using a real fire hose to extinguish a simulated fire. The class also toured two fire trucks, giving students a closer look at the apparatus and equipment used by the department.