Bridgeview State Farm Agent Vic Portillo donated National Fire Prevention Week educational materials to the Bridgeview Fire Department on Monday, October 23rd. The donation includes 100 Children’s Activity Booklets, Adult Brochures, 10 Tips for Fire Safety Brochures, Magnets, Stickers, and Plastic Bags to teach Bridgeview residents about fire safety and cooking safety specifically in accordance with the theme, “Cooking safety starts with YOU.”
President Woodrow Wilson established the first National Fire Prevention Day in 1920 on October 9th, the same day that the devastating Great Chicago Fire occurred back in 1871. His proclamation on national fire prevention is the longest Public Health and Safety Observance on record in the United States, as every year the President renews National Fire Prevention Week.
The Bridgeview Fire Department continues the legacy of fire prevention education by using the donated educational materials to teach children in schools about keeping their families safe from fires. Saving lives, homes, and the environment from fires takes all of us, and we are reminded to stay vigilant every October.
Vic Portillo has been a local business owner active in the Bridgeview community for decades. He is an agent with State Farm and currently serves as Vice President of the Bridgeview Chamber of Commerce.