Fire Marshal Accepts Smoke Detectors, Tells of Need for Installation in Homes

CREST HAVEN – It was an annual event with a serious message, Nov. 14 at the freeholder caucus.
Dubbed “The Connie and Ronnie Show,” principals were Cape May County Fire Marshal Conrad “Connie” Johnson and Ronnie Town, Atlantic City Electric senior public affairs manager.  
Town attended to present Johnson and the county with 400 smoke detectors. It is something the utility has done since 2000.
In that time, the county has received 4,400 smoke detectors, part of 35,020 smoke alarms distributed to the utility’s eight-county service area.
Those devices are distributed to those who need them, but who may not be able to afford them. Johnson said they are available from the County Fire Marshal’s Office as well as from local fire inspection bureaus.
Town said it was the utility’s way of helping to “give back” to the community in recognition of the work done by emergency responders.
Johnson told freeholders two episodes that caused them to shake heads in disbelief.
One was of a fire in Middle Township caused when a lamp fell into a laundry basket which then ignited the clothes.
“In talking to the chief,” said Johnson, “who talked to the senior member of the home, he said ‘We don’t have smoke detectors because no one here smokes.'”
“It’s kind of amazing. We have to get the word out,” said Johnson.
“Another incident in Lower Township, a woman called me because she was concerned. She had a juvenile who was interested in fire. We have a program for that. But when we spoke, she said she didn’t think she needed smoke detectors because it was summer and the heat wasn’t on,” said Johnson shaking his head.
“The mindset is not where we need it to be,” he added.
“No firefighter will leave a home without a smoke detector,” he said.
“We have to do a program. We are not getting the message out. Regardless of your situation, you need to have a smoke detector,” Johnson concluded.
“Atlantic City Electric’s Emergency Services Partnership Program has worked with New Jersey public safety agencies to raise fire safety awareness and empower residents to embrace proper fire safety practices,” stated Vince Maione, Atlantic City Electric region president in a release. “We are once again proud to step up and provide these much-needed devices that help ensure the safety of local residents and more importantly, save lives.”
Fire marshals in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean and Salem counties received 3,200 10-year long-life fire safety alarms and will be distributing the devices to residents in need.
Since 2000, Atlantic City Electric has donated 35,020 smoke alarms to fire safety officials in southern New Jersey.