Zachary Browning has earned his Eagle Rank and his Eagle Court of Honor will take place on Sunday, Oct. 21.
Browning’s Eagle Scout recognition is particularly timely during October’s Public Safety Month since his innovative initiative already has benefited many Fire Departments, including the Naperville Fire Department.
In fact, his project will be demonstrated during Naperville’s Public Safety Open House that will be held from 11AM to 2PM on Sat., Oct. 13.
Browning crafted life-size plywood cutouts of human figures that stand upright. They are hinged and can fold for easy storage. Public Education specialists and firefighters use these life-size figures to demonstrate the dangers of sparklers, a popular item used to celebrate Independence Day and other birthdays.
Firefighters clothe the cutouts and then place a sparkler in contact with the clothing for a brief second. The clothes ignite and create a visual that is not soon forgotten as the clothes burn quickly. Sparklers burn up to 1,800 degrees F. Yet, parents often think they are safe because they are legal.
Editor’s Caution: Never, ever risk giving sparklers to children under five because they will not understand how to use them safely. Also, never risk giving sparklers to any youngster unless there is adult supervision along with a bucket of dirt or water to cool the sparklers after they burn. Perhaps after seeing Browning’s demonstration, the appeal of sparklers will be extinguished forever.
