Sparky's 60th Being Celebrated at NFPA Conference
A Sparky Museum will be featured at the 2011 NFPA Conference & Expo next month inside the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. NFPA is searching for photos of all kinds of Sparky memorabilia.
In an open call to all fans of Sparky the Fire Dog®, the National Fire Protection Association asked May 4 for photos of Sparky memorabilia of any kind that can be featured during the June 12-15 2011 NFPA Conference & Expo next month at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Sparky turns 60 this year, and the Sparky Museum at the conference will show him off in style.
NFPA asked that anyone with images of posters, dolls, stuffed animals, or other Sparky items e-mail them to [email protected]. (FYI, Sparky has his own Facebook page now that is liked by 1,155 people.)
Its announcement says Sparky was created in 1951 for an Advertising Council campaign and was soon heard or seen by millions of Americans through radio and television public service announcements.
"As an influential figure in fire prevention, his success can be attributed to collaboration with firefighters and others to educate the public on important prevention and safety messages," according to NFPA. "Since Sparky's inception in the 1950's, the number of fires and fire injuries in the United States has declined, which is due in part to enhanced public education efforts. Today, approximately 3,000 people die each year because of fires and thousands are injured. Sparky's work continues and is more important than ever because most fires can be prevented when people take personal responsibility and follow a few safety guidelines. Sparky is asking everyone to take a few moments during his special anniversary year to learn what they can do to reduce the number of fires and fire-related injuries."