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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2013-10-17, Page 7THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013. PAGE 7. Fire Department of North Huron (FDNH) Chief David Sparling told North Huron Council that the Alarmed for Life campaign was a huge success. The campaign, which saw FDNH firefighters go door to door to inspect, install or replace batteries for smoke detectors. Sparling explained that the campaign, which has been ongoing for three years, has seen firefighters visit nearly every home in North Huron and install new smoke alarms or new batteries totalling 1,000 alarms. “We’re still trying to catch up with some people out there, so we don’t have final numbers,” he said. The project, which was led by FDNH Captain Ken Devries, is important because of the reality of house fires. “He’s been the quarterback, the go-to guy,” Sparling said. “This wouldn’t happen without him stepping to the plate.” Sparling explained that in 2013 alone, 54 people have died in house fires across Ontario. “In a typical house fire you have three minutes to get out or you will probably be dead,” he said. “Faced with that reality, three years ago, we made the Alarmed for Life campaign to make sure there were working smoke alarms in every house.” The reality of rural firefighting, Sparling said, is that one or more of the firefighters will always know people in the fires they are fighting. He went on to thank council and community for support but that he also wanted to thank the corporate sponsors of the campaign, Elliott- Nixon Insurance in Blyth and Stainton’s Home Hardware in Wingham. Bruce Stainton and Rick Elliott were on hand to receive thanks and Elliott had a few words for the assembled audience. “[The late former FDNH Fire Chief] John Black came and told us how important this project was,” Elliott said. “This is personal. We can replace bricks and mortars and bumpers and fenders, but we can’t replace people.” Sparling also said the firefighters need to be recognized for the work involved as they all take four to five weeks to participate in the program. Reeve Neil Vincent thanked them for continuing the work Black started in attempting to prevent all people from being injured in fire. The members of the Walkerburn Club met at the home of Eileen McClinchey on Sept. 16. Vera Penfound, president of the month, opened with a reading followed by prayer. Eileen read the minutes of the last meeting and the roll call. Ila Cunningham gave the treasurer’s report. Motions were made and seconded to donate to Auburn Lion’s Club and Clinton, Goderich and Wingham hospitals. Plans were made to cater to Ken Hunking’s 70th birthday on Oct. 20. The next meeting is at the home of Ila Cunningham on Oct. 21. Dorothy Schneider will be president of the month, Christena Gross will have program and Ila will serve lunch. Eileen served a delicious lunch of apple pie and ice cream. Following a social half hour, all left for home. ‘Alarmed for Life’called a success Club approves donations No cause for alarm Fire Department of North Huron Fire Chief David Sparling, right, was happy to thank the corporate sponsors of the department’s Alarmed for Life campaign which should be wrapping up soon. The campaign, which inspects and replaces smoke detectors in homes in North Huron has been going for three years and resulted in 1,000 detectors being placed or replaced. Shown receiving the congratulations are Bruce Stainton of Stainton’s Home Hardware, left, and Rick Elliott of Elliott Nixon Insurance. Also providing thanks was Reeve Neil Vincent, second from left. (Denny Scott photo) 440 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-6851 Up to 50% off*! New Hours: Monday - Closed; Tuesday - Friday - 9 am - 4 pm; Saturday - 9 am - 3 pm; Sunday - Closed Tarps................................50%off Workwear ........................30%off Selected Garden Tools....30%off Rubber Boots ..................25%off Wheelbarrows..................10%off *In-stock inventory only. Paint, home décor, water, hunting & fishing licenses, Sears orders, Rug Doctor rental not included. Toys .................................40%off Workboots .......................30%off BBQ Accessories ............30%off Hunting Supplies.............25%off Plus more in-store By Denny Scott The Citizen #1 And We Still Try Harder! Recent circulation figures show The Citizen has the highest circulation in the northern part of Huron County, #3 in the entire county. The Citizen Proudly Community- Owned Since 1985