The National Fire Protection Association named Dayna Hilton as the 2009 Fire and Life-Safety Educator of the Year.

Hilton, a firefighter and fire-safety educator with the Johnson County Rural Fire District #1 in Clarksville, Ark., volunteers about 3,000 hours a year to provide fire-safety education. She and her dalmatian, Sparkles, have delivered the fire-safety message across North America through presentations, books, audio and children's television programs, including PBS "Kids Sprout" and "Fox and Friends."

"It has taken a lot of people, it's not just me," said Hilton. "It's all the people in my department, my mentors and the people that volunteer in the community. It's so much more than just me. It was very nice to be recognized." Hilton added, "All I have ever wanted was to be a vehicle for fire safety awareness. It's just a huge passion of mine."

Hilton began an annual fire-safety awareness parade in her community in 2003 and it grows each year. Thirteen local fire departments and more than 20 state and local organizations participate.

Hilton is also one of the semi-finalists in the Energizer Bunny Hall of Fame, which recognizes determined individuals who help improve the lives of others.