A 35-year veteran of Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services has combined his work and life experience with his ability to write to create a children's book entitled Captain Ed's Fire Safety book.
"In my years of service, I have seen a lot of tragedies that could have been prevented," commented Onishenko, explaining how children hide under beds and in closets thinking it is a safe place to hide from a fire. "I know this book will save lives because children have a remarkable way of retaining information especially when it is presented in a fun way. There is a lesson plan on each page from learning how to make a safe exit plan to designating an area outdoors as a meeting place."
The idea of the book just came to him and within one week he had completed the text. Wanting an outside opinion, he took the book to the Francis Morrison Library to obtain the staff's opinion. It was positive so, with book in hand, he continued on to McNally Robinson where he made contact with a local author who knew of an illustrator. With the networking complete, Onishenko proceeded to find a local printer, Houghton Boston, and soon 4,000 first edition copies were produced.
He is appreciative of the support he has received from his family, especially his wife Debbie.
The text is cleverly written in poetic form, which encourages easy memory retention for children of all ages. There is a lesson plan on each page and the book is for everyone, comments Onishenko, who can't stress enough how the information in this book can save a life.
Illustrator Deidra Evans is able to place emphasis on the text with her coloured child appealing pictures.
Onishenko felt there was a great need for a book of this theme in the marketplace. It is educational, easy to read and a preventative tool. If a life is saved because of what someone reads in this book, it will be Onishenko's greatest reward and he will be eternally happy. His grandchildren are proud of him for writing a book to help save lives.
The book is sold in popular Saskatoon bookstores and as well as can be purchased directly from Onishenko.
Onishenko has connections to rural Saskatchewan. He was raised six miles from Blaine Lake and attended Greystone School. He completed his education and graduated from Blaine Lake Composite School. Onishenko's passion for sports never wavered throughout the years and he remained a dedicated Saskatchewan RoughRider fan.
Even though the football season is winding down for the year, Onishenko is still a very visible Rider fan, especially with his invention of the Melonbra. He developed this novelty as outerwear so every fan can complement the watermelon helmets.
"When I attended Rider games, I noticed fans wearing watermelon cut-outs on their heads along with other green accessories," commented Onishenko. This gave him an idea to design a unique accessory, the Melonbra. It took him a year to design, build, test a prototype and manufacture the product. To date, there are hundreds of Melonbra owners who enjoy showing their Rider pride. One dollar from every bra sold is donated to breast cancer research and, to date, $1,250 has been donated.
It does not stop here for the author and innovative inventor. Onishenko has also invented and patented the Bite Me Doggie Toy made from recycled fire hose. These durable toys, complete with a squeak toy, are durable, safe and nontoxic.
Any of the three items, Captain Ed's Fire Safety book, the Melonbra and the Bite Me Doggie Toy can be purchased by calling Ed at 306-249-1971 or 306-381-5559.
