Imlay City Fire Chief Rick Horton, firefighters Jeff Marceau, Clinton Thurlow, Mark Bodenbach and Pat Benson listen as Capt. Scott Stone details new Smoke Detector Installation program at Imlay City Fire Hall. photo by Mike Mercier.
IMLAY CITY — Since the devastating fire that claimed four children’s lives at Maple Grove Estates in February, the Imlay City Firemen’s Association has spearheaded a fundraising campaign to purchase and install free smoke detectors in every residence at the mobile home park.
The scope of the project will eventually be expanded to include every home in Imlay City and Imlay Township, which is served by the Imlay City Fire Department.
Press conference
On Saturday, April 13 the ICFA hosted a press conference at the Imlay City Fire Hall to update the community and media on the status of the ongoing Smoke Detector Installation Program.
Imlay City Fire Capt. Scott Stone said the response of residents and businesses has been beyond the scope of anything that might have been imagined.
While money and checks continue to flow in, Stone said more than $11,000 has been raised for the program thus far.
“With the money raised, we have been able to purchase 2,200 smoke detectors to be installed in homes in the community,” said Stone.
Additionally, he said about 1,500 nine-volt batteries have been purchased to install in existing smoke detectors.
The Burton Home Depot provided smoke detectors and batteries at or below cost.
Installation to begin
Capt. Stone said that on Saturday, April 27, firefighters and volunteers will begin installing smoke detectors and batteries in every home that needs them at the Maple Grove mobile home park, beginning at 10 a.m.
The goal is for every home in Imlay City and Imlay Township to be equipped with fully-functioning smoke detectors.
Volunteers welcome
Stone added that the Imlay City Firemen’s Association welcomes any community volunteers willing to assist with the installation of smoke detectors on April 27.
“If you as a resident or any organization wish to help, please call the Imlay City Fire Department at 810-724-6262,” said Stone. “We will gladly accept any help.”
Stone asks that volunteers show up at the fire hall at 8 a.m. on April 27, so they can be registered.
He also encourages volunteers to bring along their own battery-operated drills and drill bits.
Extra step stools and step ladders could also be helpful during the installation process.
Call if you need
Any Imlay City or Imlay Township residents who need smoke detectors are asked to call the fire hall at 810-724-6262 and leave a name and contact number.
Those residents will be contacted by the fire department to arrange a day and time for installation.
Anyone wishing to make a donation should make their checks out to Imlay City Firemen’s Association and note that the funds are to be used specifically for the “smoke detector” program.
Checks may be dropped off at the Imlay City Offices, or mailed to 150 N. Main St., Imlay City, MI 48444.
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.
