Grant brings Sparky the Fire Dog to Havre

Wednesday morning at the Havre Fire Department, the department received a grant from FM Global as well as unveiling its new Sparky the Fire Dog costume they purchased with the grant.

The fire department purchased the costume to use when it presents educational programs and events in the area.

FM Global, a multinational insurance company that is based in San Francisco, has awarded many prevention grants over the years to fire departments across the United States.

"Our focus is on safety," David Peterson of FM Global said as he presented a plaque to Havre Fire Department Chief Mel Paulson and Assistant Chief Kelly Jones.

Peterson said that as an insurance company, they know that fire safety is a top concern for people and they want to reward the nation's firefighters and those who contribute to the education of fire safety.

"Gentlemen, like you, who put your life on the line," he said as he thanked the Havre firefighters gathered in the room.

Several hundred applicants applied for this grant, Peterson said, but the Havre Fire Department's application stood out because of what they wanted the $2,700 grant for - a full-sized Dalmatian costume dressed in a firefighter outfit which they could use when talking and interacting with the children in Havre and Hill County.

This costume matches the dalmatian in the remote-controlled car the fire department uses to teach children.

Paulson said the fire department is looking forward to using the costume when they go through the area schools teaching the children about fire safety.

"We are ecstatic about getting the grant," Jones added, "It will help with the education for the kids."

They also plan to use it for Fire Prevention Week in October, when the firefighters often do tours for families and plan fun activities for kids as well as other various other community events that involve the children of the community.