Southbury fire officials obtain smoke, CO detectors

Southbury Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Tomascak, left, and Southbury Fire Marshal Barry Rickert, right, hold smoke and carbon monoxide detectors they acquired for Southbury residents at Operation Save a Life Wednesday. (Submitted photo)

Fire officials from Southbury traveled to New Haven Wednesday to participate in “Operation Save a Life.” The initiative distributes smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to fire departments throughout Connecticut. The event, sponsored by WTNH TV (Channel 8), Kidde, Home Depot and the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital, is held each year prior to October, which is Fire Prevention Month.

Southbury Fire Marshal Barry Rickert and Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Tomascak attended the event and secured 75 smoke alarms and 42 carbon monoxide detectors to be distributed in Southbury. These devices have the new 10-year batteries that are the current industry standard.

Southbury First Selectman Ed Edelson said, “It is always a pleasure to be able to improve the safety of our residents – and to do so at no cost to the Town of Southbury is even better! Thanks to our dedicated employees and volunteers for keeping abreast of these opportunities.”

Homeowners who would like to obtain a device should call the fire marshal’s office at 203-262-0620 or the Southbury Volunteer Fire Department at 203-262-0615. Firefighters also will have these devices in their vehicles, so when they visit a home that is not equipped with a smoke or CO detector, they can install them.