To prevent needless injuries and death, the Hickory Fire Department teaches fire and life-safety courses to all age groups. This program is part of the multi-generational approach where children are taught a lesson and share it with their families. These children also grow up with the knowledge and in turn make a safer community for years to come.

To accomplish this function, one full-time and one part-time fire educator staff the Public Education. The part-time position was designed to reach the Hispanic residents in our community.

Educators develop and implement various fire safety programs, including the Junior Fire Marshal program within the Hickory City School system and the Juvenile Fire Setter Program. Additional duties and activities include preparation of press releases; news conferences, fire safety training for individuals as well as business, and developing home fire safety guidelines.

One program that has shown great benefit is the installation of lithium battery smoke alarms. These alarms are installed free of charge for qualifying City of Hickory residents.