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Dec. 18--The Newberry Fire Department unveiled its newest firefighting tool Saturday.
Freddie the Fire-less Feline made his debut at the Newberry Christmas Parade as he rode on the city's 1917 fire truck with Friendly Fire Department's fire dog, Friendly the Dog.
The city fire department received the $3,500 cat suit through a grant from the Department of Health and Environmental Control and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fire prevention divisions.
The agencies paid for all of the cost of the cat.
This is the same group that also has provided more than 200 smoke alarms to the city fire department.
Newberry firefighters will use Freddy to teach fire safety throughout the community and during events, fire prevention talks and at schools.
Newberry Fire Chief Keith Minick said for years his department has been involved in activities like providing smoke detectors to families, visiting schools and having groups come to the station for fire prevention education.
"This is one more tool for us to add to our trailer," Minick said, adding the department also uses fire prevention puppets.
Minick added for motorists not to be surprised if they even see Freddy the Fire-less Feline outside the two city fire departments spreading fire safety messages.
The city firefighters are also willing to share Freddy with other departments and events around the county and will send a firefighter with the animated cat.
To schedule a visit from Freddy the Fire-less Feline at an event, call the Newberry Fire Department at 321-1030.
