Muir family donates $2,000 to smoke alarm program
Imlay City Fire Capt. Scott Stone accepts check Monday evening from Sharon and Bob Muir in support of the Imlay City Firemen’s Association’s free smoke alarm program. They are joined by Fire Chief Rick Horton and Fire Officers Steve Bildzok and Matt Makedonsky. photo by Tom Wearing.
IMLAY CITY — When residents Sharon and Bob Muir read about the Imlay City Firemen’s Association plans to provide free smoke detectors to families that need them, they knew they wanted to help.
On Monday, March 18, the owners of Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City presented a $2,000 check to the Firemen’s Association to expedite the process.
A little more than a week ago, Imlay City Fire Capt. Scott Stone announced a campaign by the Firemen’s Association to raise funds sufficient to purchase and install new smoke alarms in every residence at Maple Grove.
He said the installations at Maple Grove would represent the first step to ensure that every home in Imlay City is equipped with functioning smoke alarms.
Like so many others in the community, the Muirs said they were saddened by the events of February 26, when four young children lost their lives in an early morning fire at Maple Grove Estates mobile home community.
“When a tragedy like this hits in a small town like ours, it brings out the best in all of us,” said Bob Muir. “So when we saw what the
fire association was
doing, we wanted to
offer our support for the cause.”
Sharon Muir, who serves as president of the Imlay City School Board, noted the good will and kindness shown by the entire community in the devastating fire’s aftermath.
“Statistics show that the most vulnerable in a fire tend to be children, the elderly and the disabled,” she said. “That’s why it is so important that every home be equipped with smoke detectors.
“There is a commandment that says to love thy neighbors as thyself,” she continued. “The people in our community and others are demonstrating that spirit of helping others.”
Along with Fire Chief Rick Horton and Fire Officers Lt. Steve Bildzok, II and Asst. Chief Matt Makedonsky, Capt. Stone accepted the check and thanked the Muirs for their generosity.
“This is a huge boost to our program,” said Stone. “To receive this kind of support is overwhelming. We want to thank the Muirs and all the others who have donated for their support and generosity.”
Other residents wishing to support the free smoke detector program may drop off donations at the Imlay City Offices.
Stone said all checks should be made out to the Imlay City Firemen’s Association.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
