Area first responders, including the City of Watertown Fire Dept, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, Guilfoyle Ambulance Service, and the City of Watertown Police also helped Joe by providing a grand lights and sirens entrance at each of the five schools.

In fact it was the largest showing of police and fire support Team Prime has ever had for a school rollup.

"I always appreciate the assistance from these departments," says Fiduccia. "Obviously the students love hearing and seeing the emergency responders, but for me it also promotes a sense of positive unity and partnership among all of us. The students see the police and fire departments joining with Optimus on this mission against bullies, and thus naturally want to be part of that elite team as well."

Fiduccia stopped at all five elementary schools across two days. He delivered his 45-minute presentation to the students outside on school grounds. During this time, he shares some of his experiences with bullies, how it led to building Optimus, while also offering suggestions on what to do when confronted by a bully. Though Optimus does not transform, Prime speaks to the kids as well through an amplified audio system mounted to the truck.

When the presentation ends, the students are offered an option to get pictures with the Transformer replica. They also receive anti-bully pledge cards to sign, if desired.

As if all of this wasn't enough, their trusted scout Bumblebee even made a surprise appearance as well!

"While it's not always possible, I do my best to include Bumblebee in the presentation since many of the kids connect more deeply with the fictional character. Unfortunately I did not know anyone local to Watertown with a Bumblebee replica. So I asked my buddy Shane from Pennsylvania if he'd be open to helping out. He took a full day off of work and left at 5:30 in the morning to make it up there for the students. I was extremely grateful for his support."

Since Fiduccia was in town for a few days, the fire department agreed to house him and Prime overnight at their station, keeping them both out of sight from any lingering Decepticons.

"Having a safe place to clean and store Prime on longer trips is always essential part to the success of these presentations. The Administrative Fire Captain, Richard Little (as well as everyone else in the department), was incredibly courteous and welcoming. The hospitality they all provided far exceeded any basic expectations I had in mind."

Fiduccia told us it was hard to leave Watertown when the last school visit ended.

"It was clear the students and teachers enjoyed our visit. They were all incredibly excited, especially living in a region that doesn't often get to see or experience things like this. But I do believe I've made a positive and lasting impact in their community. It would be an honor to return anytime."

Fiduccia gets a lot of 'online hate' for his replica truck from people in the Transformers fandom and trucking community. But he says that doesn't stop him from wanting to get out there to inspire young minds with it.

"So many people get caught up in the short-sighted realities of the truck itself (it doesn't transform, it's not the real Optimus, older version trucks were better, etc.). They just don't see what these kids see when I roll into those school grounds. They see a TRUE hero."

"Real or not, I always tell people that these students will never forget the day Optimus Prime and Bumblebee visited their school. And unless you were there in person, you can't fully understand the true impact of our visit."

Fiduccia said his ultimate goal would be to obtain sponsored or anonymous funding that will help him reach schools all over the USA and Canada at little-to-no cost to the districts. But in the short term, he hopes his message about joining Team Prime and rising up to bullies in their own way will resonate with more than your typical few students.

"I greatly appreciate the Watertown school administration's support and willingness to consider this unique presentation for their students. I am extremely grateful to all of the local agencies that rallied to support it, and have no doubt the students gained something positive from the experience."

Fiduccia's visit to Watertown even made news headlines. You can see coverage from the WWNY 7 News website.

If you would like to support or book a bully awareness presentation alongside Optimus Prime, please use the buttons below.

*Most of the photos seen in this article were provided courtesy of Michael Schanely from Watertown City School District.