August 17, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Fire Department to Unveil New Truck and Renovated Children’s Fire Safety House

Next week, the Shreveport Fire Department will be unveiling their latest weapon in the effort to prevent fires and fire related injuries.

On Monday, August 20, the department will hold a 2:00 p.m. ceremony at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament School, 2932 Murphy Street, to show off their newly purchased 1993 International 5-speed diesel and recently renovated Children’s Fire Safety House. The truck will be used to pull the Safety House to area schools and special events where fire prevention education programs are conducted.

The truck was purchased through a $12,000 donation from Allstate Insurance Company. Local agent Don Williams was instrumental in securing the donation and the purchase of the truck for the department. In order to meet the spending limits of the donation, the dealership where the truck was purchased, Twin State Trucks Inc., lowered the vehicle’s original price from $18,000 to $12,000.

The Children’s Fire Safety House is a 30 foot long, two-story, self-contained house that is instrumental in letting children experience the simulated dangers of smoke and the importance of fire safety. More than 6000 school children go through the house each year, learning the merits of smoke detector use, family escape plans, and the technique of "Stop, Drop, and Roll." The house, built in 1989, has undergone a complete renovation, including a red and white paint job, matching that of the truck. Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran will be on hand for the event and the public is invited. ###