From the left: North Stormont Mayor François Landry, North Stormont Fire Department Fire Chief Nancy-Ann Gauthier, Executive Director, Ontario Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council Jamie Kovac, Beepa, Ontario Deputy Fire Marshall John McBeth, and Nicholas Caldareri, KIDDE bilingual marketing and communications specialist. Thompson Goddard Photo

MOOSE CREEK – Several area fire department officials, members of the North Stormont fire service, local officials gathered together for a meeting in North Stormont Fire Station in Moose Creek on Wed., Sept. 24. The meeting included presentations on the importance of fire safety in anticipation of Fire Safety Week in Canada which runs between Sun., Oct. 5 and Sat., Oct. 11.

Members from several local fire departments attended the event which included OMFPOA Leeds and Grenville, Napanee, Ottawa, South Stormont, North Stormont, North Dundas, North Glengarry, South Glengarry, Cornwall, Rockland-Clarence (which includes La Nation and Casselman), SDG Emergency Coordinator as well as the OFM (Fire Marshall Safety Council), with North Stormont Fire Chief Nancy-Ann Gauthier mentioning how the South Dundas Fire Department “sent their regrets” as they were “supporting the North Dundas fire.”

North Stormont Mayor François Landry addressed those present, mentioning how the initiative of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and Kidde of a donation of fire alarms “is not just an act of generosity. It is an investment in people, in families, and in the future of our community. “He noted how this donation when combined with the “Test Your Smoke Alarm Day” held on Sept. 28, will increase the information and awareness of fire safety.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous donations received during Save by the Beep Day. These contributions will go a long way in helping us protect our most vulnerable residents. Thanks to this support, we can ensure more homes are equipped with working smoke alarms, bringing peace of mind and increased safety to our community.” commented NS Fire Chief Nancy-Ann Gauthier in an email to The Record.

Ontario Deputy Fire Marshall John McBeth mentioned the importance of smoke alarms in Ontario, describing them as a useful tool in saving lives. He noted that batteries should be replaced every six months and the alarms themselves should be tested each month. More information is available at www.savedbythebeep.ca.

Nicholas Caldareri, bilingual marketing and communications from KIDDE mentioned deaths from fires is on the rise this year and it is important to ensure the fire alarms are working. More information on this subject is available at www.kiddecanada.com.

Ontario Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council Executive Director Jamie Kovacs took a moment to thank career and volunteer firefighters, mentioning their work helps to save lives and make every home a safe home.

Just prior to the conclusion of the meeting a very important part of the fire safety family was introduced. “Beepa” is the province wide mascot of the “Saved by the Beep” campaign. After some time for the firefighters to visit at the fire station a luncheon at the Moose Creek Recreation Centre was held.