Group gives to smoke detector initiative

VW independent/submitted information

The Buckeye Insurance Professionals, a chapter of the International Association of Insurance Professionals (IAIP), recently donated $500 to the “No Child Sleeps Unprotected” Van Wert County Smoke Detector Program.

Started in 2014 by the fire chiefs in Van Wert County, the program provided nearly 4,000 smoke detectors with a 10-year battery to every child in grades K-9 in Van Wert County. Last year, the program purchased 400 units through Van Wert Fire Equipment to distribute to all incoming Kindergarteners and any student in grades K-9 who had moved into the county. The program reaches students in Crestview, Delphos Jefferson, Delphos St. Johns, Lincolnview, Parkway, Spencerville, St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary, Van Wert, and Wayne Trace.

“This program developed as a result of fires in previous years where there were injuries and fatalities and there were no smoke detectors, smoke detectors without batteries, or smoke detectors that were still in the box,” says Van Wert Fire Chief Jim Steele. “There were no fire fatalities in the county between October 2014 and October 2015 so we like to think the program is helping.”

The program has also teamed with the Red cross for installation of the detectors for those that cannot do it themselves.

The annual need for the program is $5,500. Local residents interested in donating to the County Smoke Detector Fund can contact the Van Wert Fire Department or the Van Wert County Foundation.

For more information, contact any of the county fire chiefs: Convoy Fire Chief Gary Kreischer, Middle Point Fire Chief Craig King, Ohio City Fire Chief Brandon Bowen, Scott Fire Chief Jay Klopfenstein, Van Wert Fire Chief Jim Steele, Wren Fire Chief Mike Marchek, or Willshire Fire Chief Dwight Sheets.