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Ocean Springs launches first ‘Firehounds’ youth safety camp, thanks local donors
Summary
The Ocean Springs Fire Department presented its inaugural two-week Firehounds summer program for ages 7–12, a donor-funded community risk-reduction effort teaching fire safety, CPR and hazard recognition; the department credited local businesses and the firefighters association for sponsorship and in-kind support.
The Ocean Springs Fire Department on June 16 described its first Firehounds summer program, a donor-funded community risk-reduction initiative that teaches children life-safety skills including fire prevention, hazard identification, hands‑only CPR and basic first aid.
Fire Chief (the presenter) told the Board of Aldermen the two‑week camp is split into two age groups (7–9 and 10–12) and emphasized practical exercises such as identifying overloaded outlets, not throwing water on grease fires and using baking soda to smother certain flames. “These are the skills we're teaching in this program,” the chief said, adding that the department posts photos and videos on its Ocean Springs Fire Department Facebook page.
The chief thanked several donors who covered the program’s costs: the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce donated $2,500, Ocean Springs Lumber provided roughly $500 in building materials for demonstration props, and a local insurance agency provided roughly $300 in gift cards for goodie bags. The Ocean Springs Firefighters Association accepted donations to permit some purchases that standard government procurement rules might otherwise limit, and the department said receipts and accounts will be shared with stakeholders. The department also credited the Ocean Springs High School Visual Arts program for painting props used in exercises.
Mayor Bobby Cox praised the program and invited aldermen to attend planned activities later in the week. The department said organizers hope the program will continue and grow into an annual offering.
The presentation did not request council action; aldermen and staff asked clarifying questions and publicly thanked the firefighters and volunteers. The mayor encouraged the public to view camp photos online and noted the city will track any remaining donations for carryover into future years.
