Only The Beginning
"The minute FireFacts was shared with Liana Denney and I, we knew exactly what we needed to do. In March and April of 2009 our community lost five Children in two home fires. What was even harder was that 3 of those children I knew first hand.
- This is only the beginning of what we plan to do with fire safety in our community.
The goal became to educate each child, and something greater became of it. Yes, we were able to educate many children in my community but also, on December 9Th 2009, Missouri became the kick off state leading in fire safety. A proclamation was signed by our Governor, and the local firefighters, whom were involved in the recent fire deaths, felt closure in knowing there would be a change in our community.
This was only the beginning of what we plan to do for fire safety in our community."
Making History
- Despite freezing weather, over 200 elementary school students marched one by one up the steps into the Missouri State Capitol building to engage in a historic event, proclaiming December 9th as Farmers FireFacts Day across the state.
Following a tragic fire that took the lives of three young Jefferson City children, Farmers agent Tami Propst felt compelled to support her heartbroken community. With the help of fellow agent Lance Mayfield, District Manager Bill Kirgan, and Government Affairs Representative Steve Fry, the idea of helping one community soon snowballed into a statewide event, gaining support from Missouri State Fire Marshall Randy Cole, Creator and CEO of FireFacts Brad Ballard, and Governor Jay Nixon.
Through these partnerships, Farmers was proud to conduct a Children’s Fire Safety
- Day in memory of the many children who were lost in the previous years. The ceremony began with comments from State Executive Paul Crosetti, as he recognized and welcomed various community officials and our own Farmers Senior Vice President of the Northern Zone, Deb Settle. Later, a proclamation was presented by Director of Constituent Services Mayme Miller, on behalf of Governor Nixon. Brad Ballard then recognized the mother of the 3 perished children, Elizabeth Nix, for sharing her story so that others will identify the dangers caused by fire. Concluding the ceremony, children and supporting members of the community rotated through four educational workshops hosted by the local Jeff City and Holt summit fire departments.