Natchitoches Fire Department Introduces Ash the Alligator as New Fire Safety Mascot
Natchitoches, LA - The City of Natchitoches Fire Department (NFD) announced the introduction of its new fire safety mascot, Ash the Alligator, at the City Council meeting, on Monday, July 24, 2023. Ash is set to become the friendly face of fire safety education and awareness within the Natchitoches community. At the meeting, NFD also launched a coloring book initiative featuring Ash's adventures in Natchitoches as he shares vital fire safety tips.
The creation of Ash the Alligator and the illustrations and designs of the coloring book were developed by Cane River National Heritage Area (CRNHA) in partnership with the City of Natchitoches Fire Department. The coloring book showcases Ash's exciting escapades around Natchitoches, making it an engaging learning experience for children and individuals of all ages. Each page is filled with intricate scenes depicting iconic Natchitoches landmarks while promoting essential fire safety measures everyone should know.
"We are delighted to introduce Ash the Alligator as our new fire safety mascot," said Kory Leo, Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention. "Fire safety education is a top priority for our department, and we believe that Ash's friendly persona will resonate well with children, encouraging them to learn and implement fire safety practices in their daily lives.”
NFD and CRNHA would like to extend their gratitude to the sponsors of the coloring book, including Alliance Compressors, BOM, City of Natchitoches, Epictouch, Greg Baker Jr with State Farm, Natchitoches Parish Library, and Weyerhaeuser, for their support and commitment to fire safety education. It is through the generous support of these sponsors that the production of the coloring books has been made possible.
Coloring books have already been distributed to several of the above-mentioned local sponsors. In addition, the Department is excited to announce that come September, every Kindergarten through 3rd-grade student in Natchitoches Parish will receive their very own copy of the “Seasonal Safety with Ash the Alligator” coloring book. The individual pages will also be available for free download on the City of Natchitoches website in the upcoming weeks. This initiative aims to engage children in an enjoyable learning process about fire safety and foster a safer environment for the whole community.
For more information about Ash the Alligator or the Natchitoches Fire Department's fire safety initiatives, please call 318-357-3860 and follow NFD on Facebook at Natchitoches Fire Prevention and on Instagram at @citynatfire.
About the Heritage Area: Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. (CRNHA) is a non-profit organization that preserves, promotes, and presents the nationally significant heritage of the Cane River region. Located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, CRNHA works with regional partners to provide high-quality educational, cultural, and recreational experiences in the area's unique historical settings through a linked system of attractions and historic districts within the Cane River National Heritage Area.
