Public Education and Relations Bureau

The Public Education and Relations Bureau of the Newport News Fire Department became a separate bureau in 2001.  Its staff includes a Public Education and Relations Coordinator, Public Information Officer, and two Public Educators.  The Bureau’s mission is to educate residents and visitors about fire prevention and life safety measures. A variety of programs are offered.  In 2007, a total of 1,791 programs were presented to 70,091 persons.  Currently, the programs that the Newport News Fire Department offers to citizens include:

  • “Learn Not to Burn” Preschool Program
  • “S.A.F.E. House” First Grade Program
  • “Get SAFE Smart” Fourth Grade Program
  • “Home Safe Home, Newport News”, Mature Adults Fall and Fire Prevention Program
  • Juvenile Fire setters Program
  • Smoke Detector Installation Program
  • Hands-On Fire Extinguisher Program
  • Station Tours and Apparatus Display Programs
  • Child Safety Seat Installation Program
  • Reading Rescuers’ Program
  • Education programs for new firefighter/medic recruits on working with the public

The Public Education and Relations Bureau is responsible for promoting the Newport News Fire Department’s efforts and maintaining a positive reputation with the community.   This is accomplished through the Klaxon, which is the Newport News Fire Department’s quarterly newsletter, consistent and effective media relations, an annual recognition/awards ceremony, fire prevention month activities, programs through the Newport News City Channel, and article submissions to various publications.


Table 8-8 Fire Education and Relations Programs 2001-2007 Source:  Fire Department
 

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Programs Presented

1,543

1,471

2,104

1,800

2,000

1,816

1791

People reached through programs

45,670

47,509

54,610

59,010

60,500

63,062

70,091

Smoke Detectors Installed

32

105

212

154

200

533

716