New Clay Chamber member set to expand

The owner of one of the Clay Chamber of Commerce’s newest members said he is set on expanding to more markets soon.

Michael Heeder, the owner of Funtastic Fire Brigade, said some potential franchisees are looking into opening an operation in Palatka and he hopes to have a presence in Tallahassee soon.

The business provides firefighter-themed entertainment for weddings, birthday parties, and other events for children and adults. Heeder said his show includes games and activities to keep both adults and children entertained while at the same time passing along lifesaving knowledge about fire safety. 

Ladder truck TVs and the jambulance

The Funtastic fleet now includes a fire engine, a ladder truck equipped with a grill, popcorn machine, flat-screen TVs and corn hole boards, and an ambulance converted into a mobile DJ truck Heeder calls the jambulance.

The business has headlined several fall festivals and other events recently, including the Keystone Heights Boo on the Boulevard and Orange Park Hospital’s open house of its stand-alone emergency department in Middleburg.

Heeder said that although the enterprise is a for-profit entity that provides entertainment, his primary mission is to teach kids about fire safety.

“I’m very passionate about fire safety for kids,” he said. “I enjoy the opportunity to get out, interact with youngsters and give them some educational information to take home with them because the Funtastic Fire Brigade is more than just firefighter-themed entertainment. It’s fire safety education. It’s fun with a purpose.”

Heeder said that despite an uncertain outlook for the economy over the next year, he is excited about the growth prospects for his company.

“We’re only 13 months old, coming up on 14 months,” he said, “and we’re already looking at expanding into Putnam County. We’re hoping we’ll be franchised in Tallahassee or somewhere in the Panhandle area by this time next year.”

Don’t play with matches

Heeder said that during festivals like the Boo on the Boulevard event, his education consists mainly of distributing fire safety literature to adults while giving candy to children. 

“If we’re giving away candy, we’re giving away a little brochure, or we’re giving away a little car that has fire safety tips on it,” he said. “We tell the kids: Hey, this candy’s for you, and this brochure is for mom and dad.”

Heeder said the goal is to open a dialog between parents and children about fire safety and how to plan for an emergency before the emergency arises.

At private parties, the education goes beyond literature distribution and into demonstrations.

Heeder also said he tailors the message depending on the age of his audience.

“For little kids, we teach them not to be afraid of firefighters,” he said. “So, if you see a firefighter, don’t be scared. Go to them; they’re here to help you.”

For older children, the message changes to the dangers of playing with matches and cigarette lighters.

“The next step is talking about juvenile fire-setting behaviors and preventing kids from being too curious about fires,” he said. “It’s okay to be naturally curious about fire, but if you’re not careful, that could extend into potential arson cases down the road.”

In it to make a difference

Heeder said his passion for fire safety education arose from a tragedy 30 years ago.

“I was responsible for actions that were not successful in saving a six-year-old child trapped in a house fire,” he said.  “Basically, I made a bad decision on tactics, and we couldn’t get to the child in time. That has driven me for my entire fire service career.”

Heeder said that after working 38 years in public safety, much of it in fire safety education, he is now using entertainment to accomplish the same goal he has worked toward his entire career.

“This has been a passion of mine,” he said. “I don’t want children to suffer the fate of that child so many years ago.”

Heeder said that as a fire safety specialist with Gainesville Fire Rescue, he often brainstormed with other firefighters about how to get through to youngsters and their parents about fire safety.

When he saw a program similar to the Funtastic Fire Brigade in another area, he knew he had come across a winning idea to make a lasting impression on children and their parents.

“It’s a great way to get out into the community,” he said.

Heeder added that the business helps pay the bills, but the mission of the Funtastic Fire Brigade is not profit-driven.

“I’m not in this to make a paycheck,” he said. “I’m in it to make a difference.”