City Testimonials: "I hope that you have received 500 calls saying THANK YOU for the new playground at Bonforte Park! It is a terrific neighborhood park and we so appreciate the improvements. I walk by every day and see so many children and parents enjoying themselves." -Citizen Comment "The crew from Engine 15A were professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful, not only did this group of professionals represent the Fire Department in a positive light, they also speak to a city government that is responsive and courteous to the public."- Citizen Comment "We've found with projects we're doing, the City seems to be as proactive as they possibly can be." -Real Estate CEO "Grateful for the progress made by CSPD to curb shoplifting." -Business Loss Prevention Manager "Not only was my concern addressed in a professional and timely manner, but Finance Planning & Analysis Manager Leslie Hickey took the time to let me know that changes were on the way. This is the direct opposite of some folks' perception of local government." -Citizen Comment "Thank you very much for fixing the potholes on the round about for Squirrel Tail and Brainard as well as the divot by the water outlet on Squirrel Tail towards Musgrave. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" -Citizen Comment "Accounts Payable Supervisor Patti McFarland was true to her word, she called me back within days to give a status report. Then she called again to update me. Then, she called today to let me know she had been able to contact the unreachable tow company, received an invoice, and would be reimbursing the portion the business manager agreed to pay! I know that it was a sustained effort because I tried for several months and got nowhere. I can't express my overwhelming gratitude to Patti and your office for their work in this matter. We run a service-based business and try to learn from other organizations whenever we can. I will bring up this instance at our weekly meeting as an example of good service to be commended and followed.Thanks to you and Patti for the surprisingly positive experience I had with your office." -Local Small Business Owner "Thanks to Traffic Technician Pete Doyle, his community attitude to work with the residents is commendable. Thank you once again." -Citizen Comment "Streets Operations Manager Bard Lower has provided me superb customer service, above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. I know that this has been a priority for your administration, and I felt it important to let you know that it is working. Mr. Lower and his associates deserve kudos for their proactive, thorough handling of this five-year-old snow plowing issue and I am grateful to you as well for making the City more responsive to citizen requests." -Citizen Comment "As a new resident of Colorado Springs, it’s apparent that the City really does excel in taking care of its residents and treats its citizens more like neighbors and friends than just customers on a long “to-do” list. Thank you for all your exceptional service." -Citizen Comment
You are here: Home / Education / Colorado Springs Educator Puts Fun Factor in FireFactor

Colorado Springs Educator Puts Fun Factor in FireFactor

April 4, 2012 By

Colorado Springs Fire Department Community Services Educator, Brianna Goodwin, knows the best way to get kids to engage and remember is to use creative teaching techniques. Her efforts recently made it all the way to the front page of the New York Times in an article on “clickers” .

Brianna teaches about the consequences of arson through a program called FireFactor, a prevention program that uses mediums kids connect with like clips from current TV commercials, movies and music videos. Using remote control hand-held devices is part of the fun-factor in FireFactor.

Since 2010, the FireFactor program has reached nearly 5,300 Colorado Springs middle school students. Approximately 77 FireFactor presentations were made to 6th and 7th graders, 70 teachers and more than 30 guests from 2011-2012.

“Juvenile fire setting is common between the ages of 10-14,” said Brianna. “We wanted to create a program that spoke to youth in their own language because they are so immersed in the media. There are images of fire and explosions in media every three minutes. We show them examples of fire in media and contrast it against the reality through stories of Colorado Springs fires.”

Brianna uses the clicker system to engage them and get instantaneous feedback. “They are so excited and want to know immediately when they’ll get to use it. It’s fun to watch them get really excited about it before we even start the class.”

She wants parents and teachers to know, “You can talk to kids about fire. Many adults struggle with communicating with teens and tweens. It’s a tough and a serious issue, but it shouldn’t scare anyone away from bringing it up with kids.”

Mayor Bach is a big believer in communication and education when it comes to public safety. “The more we can do to save lives and avoid injury the better,” said Mayor Steve Bach. “It’s efforts like this that make such a difference in raising public safety awareness.”

There are three components to the FireFactor Program: Intervention, Education and Parenting. For more info, email FireFactor@springsgov.com.

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