As he left the Club after time spent with Chicago Firefighters, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago member Diego was excited to tell his brother his new title: Junior Fire Safety Officer. 

“What does that mean?” asked his brother. “It means I protect people,” Diego said. 

Diego participated in one of three sessions at three different Clubs with BGCC’s I Am A Reader program during Fire Prevention Week. The I Am A Reader program focuses on early childhood literacy, providing resources to kids in first to third grades. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Board of Directors member Chief Jamar Sullivan hosted the fire prevention sessions. Chief Sullivan brought a colleague to each session, which included handing out firefighter helmets, learning how to salute, reading a book: “The Story of Sparky the Fire Dog,” and talking about the importance of fire safety. 

During the reading, Club members were given the chance to read certain sections of the book aloud. The book was a fun way to learn more about fire safety and prevention, thanks to the fire dog dalmatian, Sparky. 

Each Club member took home a packet that included the book, an activity book with more lessons, and their fire helmet and badge. Club members even got to try on some of the official firefighting equipment. 

Several members excitedly declared they would become firefighters when they grew up as they were leaving the session.

See more photos from the three sessions below! 

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