Samson The Bear Named New Mascot For Monrovia Fire & Rescue

MONROVIA, CA — Monrovia Fire & Rescue introduced their official mascot Monday, the city's beloved bear Samson.

"Samson will take an active role in embracing the department’s community outreach initiatives," the City of Monrovia press release said.

Monrovia came to know and love Samson, a particularly bold, 500-pound California black bear, who made himself at home in Monrovia in the 1990s. Samson would come down from the foothills, grab a bite to eat from a trash can or fruit tree, and jump into hot tubs to relax, the City said. In 1994, Samson became ill and was set to be euthanized until the community stepped in, the City said. After hearing Monrovia's concerns, Governor Pete Wilson ordered the Department of Fish and Wildlife to give Samson a stay of execution — he lived out the remainder of his life at the Orange County Zoo, the press release said.

"Our City has a rich history with Samson the Bear," said Brad Dover, Fire Chief. "However, it is our belief that we have a great opportunity to make something of our own. By identifying Samson as the department’s official mascot, we can better engage our community and spread our message of fire safety in an innovative and progressive way."

Samson will help firefighters in spreading important fire safety topics including Home Fire Escape Plan, Emergency 9-1-1, Fire Extinguishers, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors, and Stop, Drop and Roll. Samson will also attend events such as the Monrovia Firefighters Association Annual Pancake Breakfast, Monrovia Area Partnership block parties, Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks Show, Monrovia Friday Night Street Fair and Market, Fountain to the Falls, Sidewalk CPR and Read Across Monrovia.

Monrovia Fire and Rescue will kick off Fire Prevention Week on Oct. 5 with an open house and a special appearance by Samson. Station 101 (located on 141 E. Lemon Avenue), will be opening its doors to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.