Crime & Safety
'Sparky the Fire Dog' Coming to New Port Richey
The $1,600 needed to make the purchase was raised through a charity poker run planned by Verizon and a matching donation from the company.
New Port Richey firefighters and police officers will soon have a new ally in their quest to teach children safety.
Through a charity poker run and a matching donation, Verizon has helped raise about $1,600 to help make the purchase.
is a robotic dalmatian firefighter that rides around in a miniature fire truck and teaches kids about safety. He is also the official mascot of the NationalFire Protection Association.
Find out what's happening in New Port Richeywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The New Port Richey police and fire departments will use Sparky in safety education programs at local elementary schools, according to a media release from Verizon.
Verizon presented Police Chief James Steffens and Fire Rescue Chief Alex Onishenko a check for $1,600 on Aug. 21.
Find out what's happening in New Port Richeywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The money was raised through a charity poker run July 28, which was planned by Verizon, and a matching donation from Verizon.
It's unclear if additionsal funds will be neeeded to make the purchase.
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