(Friday, September 12, 2008) – Thousands of school children will learn about fire safety because of a partnership today between the Little Rock Fire Department and Home Depot. Volunteers from Home Depot and the Fire Department spent today painting, repairing, and upgrading the Fire Safety House.

The volunteers took a break from their efforts for a brief program of remarks where Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and City Director Joan Adcock expressed their appreciation to Home Depot. They also acknowledged Arkansas Children’s Hospital which donated the Fire Safety House earlier this year.

The Fire Safety House is a simulated house used to teach and train children in fire safety. The volunteers upgraded the house including installation of siding, laying new carpeting, hanging new doors, painting the exterior, and building a fence to go around the perimeter of the property.

This structure has been a mobile unit and been stationed with other Fire Departments in the state. It will be permanently housed at the Fire Training Academy, located at 7000 Murray Street.

“The City has had a long partnership with Children’s, and this is yet another example of their outstanding corporate involvement,” noted the Mayor. “The relationship between the City and Home Depot is newer. It is exciting to new partnerships develop and flourish.”

“Time is the most valuable thing that can be contributed,” added Director Adcock. “I really appreciate the men and women of “Team Depot” for spending time here today.”

“The mission of the Little Rock Fire Department is protecting life and property through service and education,” noted Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr. “Today we are seeing service which will help us further our education efforts. I am grateful to Home Depot for their work with us today.”

City Director Ken Richardson added, “We may never know what lives are saved because a school kid learns about Fire Safety due to the work that is done today.”

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