Show for kids means lots of prep work

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Members of the Lafayette Fire Department performed for children to help teach them about fire safety on Tuesday.

Characters like Louie and Luigi Lighter along with Captain Blaze and Mike the Match talked with more than a thousand local kids about the importance of fire safety.

Participants in the show say they enjoy giving back to the community in a way that will affect the future.

“I've been stopped on the streets,” 6-year participant and Captain Blaze player Brian Perior said. “I was at a gas station one time with my dad – this was back when I was playing the Rocket - a little kid walked up to me and asked me if I was the Rocket. Kids, I feel, take things away from this.”

14-year participant and show organizer Ron Ritchey says it’s a big undertaking.

“There's a tremendous amount of work to get ready for this show,” Ritchey said. “I can't even count how many hours we have (prepared), but it is so rewarding when you look out in the audience and see the children. You see the look on their faces and they are getting it.”

Ritchey says in the 15 years of the show they have educated more than 100,000 kids from around the state.

If you want to attend another fire safety show, the Lafayette Fire Department is performing one more time tomorrow night at 7 the Jeff High School Auditorium.