Payne FD providing smoke alarms to kids

VW independent/submitted information

PAYNE — In conjunction with the Division of State Fire Marshal’s “Safe & Sound” campaign, the Payne Fire Department in Paulding County is conducting a local campaign: “No Child Sleeps Unprotected”. The campaign is similar to one initiated in Van Wert County a couple of years ago.

The goal of the initiative is to provide smoke alarms to each student of Payne Elementary and Divine Mercy schools. That would mean supplying 350 smoke alarms to the students and their families, making sure those homes in the community are equipped with working smoke alarms.

“We at the Payne Fire Department are thrilled to be launching this project,” said Fire Chief Jamie Mansfield. “With the backing of the state fire marshal, we are committed to making sure every home and family in our area is protected with working smoke alarms.”

The campaign is being supported by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the American Red Cross, and both organizations will assist with canvassing and distributing the smoke alarms in April of this year.

“No Child Sleeps Unprotected is a project with the same goal as our office’s Safe & Sound campaign,” said State Fire Marshal Larry L. Flowers. “I extend my sincere gratitude to the Payne Fire Department and the Paulding County Area Foundation for taking on this initiative in the name of the community’s safety.”

Monetary donations for this drive will be handled by the Paulding County Area Foundation, which has kicked off the project with a $500 donation. If you would like to help, you can visit the foundation at 101 E. Perry St., Paulding, OH 45879 or call 419.399.8296.

More information about smoke alarms, as well as additional fire safety tips, can be found at www.com.ohio.gov/fire.