The Richmond Hill Fire Department’s newest member is too big to fit in any fire trucks and won’t be able to put out fires, but the department already has big plans for him.

His name is “Axe” and he stands 9’6” tall. The inflatable firefighter costume was unveiled at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

“Axe” will make an appearance at Richmond Hill’s National Night Out, scheduled for 6-9 p.m. Aug. 4 in J.F. Gregory Park, and will be at other community events during the year including the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival, National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 9-16), Richmond Hill Christmas Parade and the annual Public Safety Day next spring.

Children can email questions about fire prevention and safety to askaxe@richmondhill-ga.gov.

“All of the questions submitted will be personally answered by Axe,” Fire Chief Ralph Catlett joked with city council.

The department was able to buy the mascot with a $3,000 grant from the Chesney Fallen Firefighters Memorial Grant Program through the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. RHFD received the maximum grant given and only five other departments statewide received grants.

“Axe” also is available to attend birthday parties held at the RHFD. The facilities are available for birthday parties free of charge and any donations will be given to the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. Call (912) 756-3749 for more information.