Bluffton Township Fire District’s newest mascot for the naming contest.
Courtesy of BTFD and Stephen Combs
From school sports teams, King Tide and even the beloved RBC Heritage’s Sir Willie, mascots and figures define many corners of the Lowcountry.
Now, the Bluffton Township Fire District is asking for the community’s help to name its brand new team member: a fire engine-inspired robot mascot, geared to bolster community outreach, recognition and education efforts.
Designed by Stephen Combs, spokesperson for the BTFD, and launched by the Community Risk Reduction Division, this transformer-style truck is intended to be known for its big personality and heart for safety.
Community members of all ages are invited to submit their most creative name ideas for the new character.
The submission contest opened July 7 and will run through Wednesday, August 7 at 5 p.m.
The name must be your own creative idea, not a copy of an existing character or name.
Keep it appropriate.
All entries must be received by August 7 at 5 p.m. Late entries won’t be considered.
Once submissions close, the winning name will be selected by the Fire District’s Community Risk Reduction team and announced via social media.
The winning name will appear on a special edition poker chip-style challenge coin, and the winner will receive a BTFD swag pack and lunch for four at Fire Headquarters.
As of Tuesday, July 8, Combs confirmed that at least 60 names have been submitted thus far for the contest.
Bluffton Township Fire District’s newest mascot for the naming contest. Courtesy of BTFD and Stephen Combs
How will the mascot be used?
While many may know and love Sparky the Fire Dog from the National Fire Protection Association, this new fire truck mascot from BTFD will be right alongside him, serving as a way to creatively engage the Lowcountry community in lifesaving fire education and events.
According to Combs, this “firebot” is intended to work as a build-out process that will help strengthen outreach to children in the community, create more local recognition for emergency services and bolster educational programming.
Combs mentioned a custom costume is also on the horizon, offering another level of localized outreach in schools, events and programs.
The introduction of this local mascot comes ahead of one of the key educational opportunities, Fire Prevention Week, set for October 5 to 11, where students learn life-saving fire tips and safety.
“This character will help us better connect with all ages—especially young learners,” wrote Combs. “We see this as an opportunity to grow our outreach and bring our fire safety messages to life in fun, memorable ways.”
For more information on this mascot and naming contest, click here.
This story was originally published July 9, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
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