New Germany Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Michelle Greek who came up with the idea for the campaign with Jeff Flemming, the deputy fire chief. Photo: New Germany FD Facebook.
In the wake of the February 19 fire in Auburndale that claimed the lives of Kaylea Savory and three children fire departments from the area have launched an initiative to distribute smoke detectors to children.
The idea started with New Germany firefighter Michelle Greek who says in the days after the fire she heard many stories of children that knew the victims who were now terrified. “The South Shore is a tight-knit area so many of the kids we heard were struggling to sleep or raising concerns over fires,” Greek said.
She then suggested offering smoke detectors to every child in their service area as a way to help. “When I presented the idea at our monthly meeting everyone was on board but then we thought this is something our neighbouring departments might also want to join in on.”
It turns out Greek was right as since then seven other departments have since launched similar programs. The departments currently participating include; Midville, Tri-District, Greenfield, Conquerall Bank, LaHave, and Pleasantville.
Other departments are also likely to join in the coming days with Greek saying many are just waiting for their latest meeting to take place.
The New Germany Fire Department is distributing their smoke detectors at their fire hall but other departments are offering different distribution methods that work best for their communities.
As part of the initiative Fire Departments are also using this as a chance to remind everyone that smoke detectors have a ten-year lifespan after which they require replacement.
