Larry Williams, Fire Chief of Lewisburg Fire Department, is organizing its 22nd Annual Fire Safety and Prevention Program for the children of Lewisburg and Marshall County.

Over 2,500 children, ages 4 through 12, will receive fire prevention materials such as manuals, badges, posters and other fire safety handouts geared to the age level of each child.

These materials will be covered in class at all schools, daycares, and pre-schools throughout the area.

This is a comprehensive program and the manual contains activity pages designed to stimulate the child's awareness of everyday fire hazards.

"The best way to fight a fire is to prevent it," said Jim Griffith, the state fire safety coordinator in charge of the program. "We have seen children save their own lives and those of their families through this program. Recently, a little boy in Decatur, Tenn. named Jason McClintock saved himself, his sister, and father and mother, by having them crawl under the smoke in a trailer fire. He learned the life-saving techniques in this program and used them when the need arose. Also, mnay children have learned how to dial 9-1-1 and saved loved ones by knowing how to dial it in emergencies. The importance of public education on fires can't be overestimated."

The materials for this program will be provided by the National Fire Safety Council, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) federal-tax-exempt organization dedicated to the safety of children. The funds are raised by letters sent out by the Lewisburg Fire Department. Williams will ask business and professional people and concerned citizens to make a donation of their choice to support this valuable and life-saving program. All donations are tax deductible. The names of all who donate will be printed on the backs of manuals that will be used in the schools. The manuals will be sent home with the children after they have been covered in class, so parents will also be influenced for fire safety and can see who made the program possible.

"It is our way of saying thank you to all the fine people who have supported our valuable program," said Williams. "The least we can do is recognize them for their financial assistance. Without it we would not be able to provide the materials."

"People oftentimes don't realize the value of prevention programs," added Griffith. "People don't stop to think about how many thousands of dollars are lost or how many could die from just one needless fire. This program has been proven over the last 35 years to drastically cut the incidence of structural fires, keep insurance costs down, and save many lives."

The Lewisburg Fire Department would like to thank sponsors for helping them get a full-sized Firepup costume last year.

"It has been, and will continue to be, a great success," said Mike Barron, fire prevention officer.

"We especially thank all the sponsors in bold on the manual covers for making a special donation for this valuable fire safety tool," added Williams.