St. Marys Fire Department to Receive Donation of Carbon Monoxide Alarms

The St. Marys Fire Department will receive a donation of 50 carbon monoxide (CO) alarms from the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education during a special presentation on Tuesday, March 10 at 1:00 p.m. at the St. Marys Fire Hall.

The donation will help the St. Marys Fire Department provide carbon monoxide alarms to St. Marys residents who may not currently have one in their home, helping to improve safety and awareness in the community.

The Hawkins-Gignac Foundation was established following a tragic 2008 incident in Woodstock, Ontario, where OPP Constable Laurie Hawkins, her husband Richard, and their children Cassie and Jordan lost their lives due to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a blocked vent from their gas fireplace. The home did not have a CO alarm.

In response to the tragedy, the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education was formed in 2010 with a mission to prevent further loss of life from carbon monoxide — often referred to as “The Silent Killer.” Since then, Executive Director John Gignac and his team have travelled across Canada providing education about CO safety and donating more than 30,000 carbon monoxide alarms to organizations and communities in need.

“This generous donation will help ensure more St. Marys residents are protected from the dangers of carbon monoxide,” says Phil West, Fire Chief for the St. Marys Fire Department. “Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly. Having working CO alarms installed in your home is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family.”

Members of the media are invited to attend the presentation on March 10 at 1:00 p.m. at the St. Marys Fire Station.

The donated alarms will be distributed to residents in need as part of the Fire Department’s ongoing efforts to promote fire and life safety within the community. Carbon monoxide alarms must also be installed on every storey of the home, and outside all sleeping areas if the home contains a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.

For more information about smoke and carbon monoxide alarm safety, contact the St. Marys Fire Department at 519-284-1752 or visit: www.townofstmarys.com/smokealarms.

For more information about the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education, visit: https://endthesilence.ca.

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For media inquiries:
Phil West, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief
519-284-2340, ext. 201 | pwest@town.stmarys.on.ca