Warren Fire Department program wins recognition from the ServeOhio Awards program

WARREN — The Warren Fire Department’s SALSA (Save A Life Smoke Alarm) Program has won recognition from the ServeOhio Awards program.

Warren Fire Lt. Chuck Eggleston and HandsOn Volunteer Network Coordinator Kristen Gallagher will accept one of six Serve Ohio Awards at a ceremony Oct. 22 in Columbus. Eggleston was in charge of the program.

ServeOhio Awards recognize Ohioans who make great contributions to their communities and the state through service and volunteerism.

SALSA was created in the summer of 2012 in response to a rash of fires in Warren, including two residential fires that killed 10 people, including six children.

Firefighters, members of Firefighters Local 204, realized that the most devastating fires often take place in the homes of low-income or elderly residents and worked to place smoke alarms in the home of every low-income residence inhabited by seniors or children.

Firefighters first identified the target homes, then solicited donations from individuals, businesses and organizations to purchase the smoke alarms. HOVN volunteers installed the first group of alarms this summer.