Orem history is full of colorful characters, but you would be hard-pressed to find one more colorful than the Orem Fire Department’s educational spokesman, Cinderbritches.
Cinderbritches, who was originally developed and played by Boyd Johnson, started teaching generations of elementary children about fire safety and fire prevention in 1980.
Before Johnson became a firefighter, he worked as a clown entertaining at birthday parties and events. As a firefighter, he donned the clown suit once again when he realized that kids would be more receptive to the “Learn Not to Burn” campaign if it was coming from a funny and approachable character.
After Boyd Johnson, the wig and squishy nose were passed to Cam Brown, who won the Firefighter of the Year Award in 1992 in large part for his work with the community as Cinderbritches.
Unnamed sources revealed that outside of the costume Cam Brown was kind of an ornery and serious guy but as soon as he slid into those britches it was all fun and games.
The mantle of Cinderbritches then fell to Dave Forsyth, who played the role with gusto, but ultimately was the final Cinderbritches. Cinderbritches has been in restful retirement these many years but there is interest in bringing him back for a new generation of elementary children. Some would argue we need Cinderbritches now more than ever because of how clowns have been portrayed in the media. We need a good clown to help offset the damage other clowns such as Pennywise and The Joker have done to the good names of clowns everywhere.
We have it upon good authority that the Orem Fire Department has a serious interest in resurrecting the Cinderbritches program.
If you would like to add your name to the illustrious list that has put on the big pants of a true Orem hero, please contact Assistant Fire Chief Jason Earl.