SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Sheppard Air Force Base Fire Department recently hosted a unique and heartwarming event called “Sparky’s Special Day” during Fire Prevention Week. This inaugural event was designed specifically for children with disabilities who may not be able to participate in the usual fire-prevention activities.
“Sparky’s Special Day” offered a safe and engaging environment where children from local schools with various physical and developmental challenges could learn about fire safety. The dedicated team at the fire station created a day filled with interactive and accessible experiences tailored to the needs of the children. The event featured activities such as meeting firefighters in uniform, exploring fire trucks, learning about firefighting equipment and enjoying hands-on demonstrations.
Cory Brinkley, fire inspector, discussed the importance of letting the children experience everything themselves. The goal was to make sure the children were comfortable and prepared in case of a future emergency.
“We attend many schools in the area during Fire Prevention Week, but there’s always children who can’t come out to the trailer during those times, so we wanted to create a day just for them,” Brinkley said. “A lot of these kids like hands-on activities, so they were able to try on the gear, turn on equipment and interact with firefighters. We just want them to know that when they see us, we’re here to help.”
The Sheppard AFB firefighters aimed to make the children feel comfortable while also educating them about important safety measures. With a focus on a sensory-friendly experience, the team took care to minimize loud noises and flashing lights, ensuring a calm atmosphere that allowed the children to engage and learn at their own pace.
Sidney Barnes, director of the Bulldogs Bistro at Burkburnett Independent School District, attended the event and highlighted that opportunities like this show children they can do anything despite their circumstances.
“Seeing the kids interact the way they did and knowing the day was about them was amazing,” Barnes said. “Seeing them step out of their comfort zone to interact with people they’ve never met blew me away. What we’re doing and what we’re teaching is working. They showed everyone that they are capable of doing things just like everyone else. This event was a complete success, and I couldn’t be more proud of our kids.”