It was a pawsome day for the County Regional Fire Service on Wednesday as residents got the opportunity to spot the birthday boy at the La Glace Fire Department.
Casey the Firedog celebrated his birthday with his community in a big way with a well-attended birthday bash featuring meet and greets, pawdographs, and more which Deputy Fire Chief Jason Nesbitt says is another way the Grande Prairie Fire Department is focusing on fostering community connections.
“It’s important to engage the community with our fire service, the fire service is very much part of the community,” he says. “Mascots in particular have a unique ability to connect with people of all ages to inspire trust and confidence and to make our service more approachable.”
During the event, Casey received his official County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service badge to mark his ongoing dedication to the fire service. Nesbitt says Casey serves as a “powerful ambassador” for fire safety and education in a more approachable manner, especially among Grande Prairie youth.
“Whether visiting schools, participating in public events, or simply being a reassuring presence at the firehouse, Casey will help us spread the vital message of fire prevention and safety in a way that is accessible and memorable.”
Nesbitt also took a moment to address the current status of wildfires in the region, saying prevention is key in fire safety, and encourages all residents to be mindful of just how devastating wildfires have been recently.
“A decade ago, we would have smaller grass fires, we’d get on them quickly and because of things drying out here, the lack of precipitation, we’re challenged more significantly on a regular basis, especially up in La Glace,” he says.
Ultimately, the regional fire service maintains that Casey will continue his work as both a mascot and community ambassador, providing residents with the opportunity to educate themselves on the importance of fire safety as Grande Prairie continues to battle the ongoing wildfire situation in the region.
