The Metro Nashville Emergency Communications Board places an emphasis on educating the public about 9-1-1. In 1993, to reach school-age children, the Board introduced Rescue Rex as their spokesdino. And while his signature telephone may have changed over the years, his mission has always remained the same – to teach the children of Nashville how and when to call 9-1-1.
Rex visits schools and daycares throughout Davidson County at no charge to perform a 30-minute skit with songs, dance and dialogue that teaches children in kindergarten through second grade things like knowing your address and identifying an emergency. The skit changes with each school year, ensuring that students see a fresh performance each time Rex visits. A Rescue Rex appearance also includes distribution of a special coloring book, available in both English and Spanish editions.
By performing in front of nearly 15,000 students each year, the Rescue Rex program has been directly responsible for a reduction in non-emergency 9-1-1 calls and has even guided children in emergency situations to take steps that have ultimately helped saved lives.