One local fire department has a robot on the force.

With help from State Senator Donna Boley, who secured matching state funds, the Mineral Wells Fire Department recently purchased "Sparky," a remote controlled dog driving a firetruck.

Firefighters control Sparky. He can talk to kids and kids can ask him fire prevention questions. They plan to bring Sparky to schools next week for National Fire Education Week.

The total cost for the robot was $10,000.