This morning, the Cagliari Fairgrounds' conference center was filled with the enthusiasm of nearly 1,000 children, the protagonists of a day dedicated to courage and teamwork. The event, "Firefighter for a Day," was inspired by the comic book of the same name by Elisabetta Dami, mother of Geronimo Stilton, the most beloved rodent in children's literature.
The initiative, organized by the National Fire Brigade with the support of the Cagliari School District, involved primary schools from across Southern Sardinia. Geronimo and Tea Stilton, dressed in fur and whiskers, took to the stage with an interactive show featuring songs and dances. Ambra Pintore introduced the morning.
For the day, approximately 60 units were mobilized to accompany the children through the display of rescue vehicles and operational equipment. Each specialty had its own station: telecommunications, drone pilots, divers, the naval section, urban search and rescue, and dog handlers. The helicopter took center stage.
The publishing project, created by Piemme Mondadori Editore in collaboration with the Fire Department, Public Rescue, and Civil Defense, began two and a half years ago and celebrates the first anniversary of the book dedicated to the work of firefighters. As Nicola Micele, regional director of the Fire Department, explained, "Geronimo and the firefighters met a few years ago in Piazza Duomo in Milan, and it was love at first sight. We helped the author make the story more believable: from the details of the clothing, the protective equipment, to the techniques we use. She was brilliant at translating all of this, wonderfully conveying the values we embody."
A video message from the author conveyed a special greeting: "Firefighters are our everyday heroes. Geronimo and Tea shared an extraordinary experience with them!" On the afternoon of November 4th, the two rodents also visited the young patients in the Brotzu pediatric ward. As Sauro Mazzanti, external relations manager for the regional fire department, explained, "Our mission is to spread a culture of safety and be closer to young people, our future."
