Dave Acero, affectionately known as “Fire Pal Dave,” has been a firefighter with the Phoenix Fire Department for 33 years and a respected Engineer at Station 39 for over two decades. His dedication to public education and fire safety has earned him accolades such as the 1999 Camp Courage Counselor of the Year and the 2000 Firefighter of the Year by the Professional Firefighters Association. Dave was instrumental in enhancing the “Learn Not to Burn” program, expanding it to 39 modules that prepare students for “Urban Survival.” 

Dave has spent the past 15 years sharing his expertise with under-resourced fire departments, helping Goodyear Fire develop its own Urban Survival program and partnering with the Avondale Fire Department to train instructors in Community Risk Reduction. Known for his creative teaching methods, he incorporates puppets, magic, music, and humor to engage students. Working with schools in Goodyear and Head Start preschools, he focuses on empowering children in underserved neighborhoods, recognizing them for heroic actions like saving lives and reporting dangers.