Being the father of four children ages 16 months to 13 years old, I see my fair share of children’s programming. In fact, I’m not sure that our TV even has regular channels on it. One thing that I have learned is that the quality of animation has come a long way from when I was a kid.

Many of you are probably familiar with the top notch animation in films like Cars, Finding Nemo and Shrek.  Most recently, my 16 month old son has taken a liking to Bigfoot Presents Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks.  All of these shows have realistic, engaging characters that exemplify the kind of visuals that work with today’s children.

How does this relate to my ride along with the Rainbow Valley Fire Department?  Over the years, I have built a sizeable collection of fire safety videos to use in public education programs. So, I am skeptical of new products because of the cost of ownership that comes with them.  I figure if what I have is working, why do I need to change?  Let me tell you why.

The team at RVFD Fire Education have developed a series of educational videos that are not only fun and informative; the characters are in the caliber of programs that you would see on The Disney Channel, Sprout, and Discovery Kids.  The DVD’s will capture the imaginations of children that watch them and engage them in learning.

The brainchild of Daniel E. Taylor, screenwriter of The Score starring Robert Deniro, Edward Norton and Marlon Brando, the RFVD fire safety series makes good on a several tragedies that Taylor witnessed growing up.

“As a boy, Taylor remembers watching helplessly as six houses in his Leawood, Kansas neighborhood went up in flames in just a few years time.  Many neighborhood friends inside those homes never made it out alive.  In the two blocks where Taylor grew up, some of his neighbors died and many others were hurt in house fires.  Taylor’s childhood mental scar has now manifested itself into a solution.” - RVFD 

With characters like Freddy the Firefighter, Pam the Paramedic, Hydro the Hydrant, Gusher and Mile-High, the team of the River Valley Fire Department are sure to win the hearts of children everywhere.  Bringing life to Freddy the Fire Chief is a very recognizable Tim Conway.

Animation is not the only secret to why I believe that these videos will be successful in fire safety education programs.  The series seamlessly integrates 3D animated characters with live action heroes.  It is a formula that works. I was blown away when I saw these videos.

Of course, you don’t have to take my word for it.  There have been many other professionals who have nothing but praise for the performances. 

“The RVFD Fire Education series is very good and well produced. The makers of RVFD are doing a very righteous thing, teaching children across the nation valuable fire safety lessons.” - Chief Alan Brunicini, Ret./Phoenix Fire Department

Go on your own ride along with the Rainbow Valley Fire Department by visiting their web site.  You can preview each of the following nine episodes there.

• DVD Series 1: Episode 1 - The Fire Station

• DVD Series 1: Episode 2 - Fire Equipment

• DVD Series 1: Episode 3 - Fire Trucks

• DVD Series 2: Episode 1 - What Causes Fire?

• DVD Series 2: Episode 2 - Home Fire Prevention Tools

• DVD Series 2: Episode 2 - Home Fire Escape Plan

• DVD Series 3: Episode 1 - Fire In Your House

• DVD Series 3: Episode 2 - Fire In Your House Part 2

• DVD Series 3: Episode 3 - If Fire Gets On Your Clothes

P.S. If you are going to the conference in Galena, IL, then be sure to check out the Rainbow Valley team’s presentation on Thursday, April 17 @ 3:15 p.m.