Rochester Fire Department hosts fundraiser for smoke detectors

In preparation for Fire Prevention Month in October, the Rochester Fire Department is currently hosting a fundraiser to purchase smoke detectors that will be made available for community members in need, free of charge. 

Rochester Fire Department Chief TJ DuBois says their department has been giving out free fire detectors during the month of October for almost two decades. It first began when RDP partnered with Red Cross as a way to uphold the Indiana State law that requires all homes to have a smoke detector.

"Every home in the State of Indiana is required by law to have smoke detectors. While there is not really an authority agent that goes out and mandates that, it is a state law that we have and the Red Cross had a program to help provide that and installing them for those in need," DuBois said. 

The Red Cross helped RDP with funding for the smoke detectors for several years before the Indiana Department of Homeland Security took over. This year, however, neither organizations are able to help RDP with the smoke detectors. 

Dubois said their department hands out roughly 60 smoke detectors each year. He says the department hopes to raise around $2500 for the fundraiser so they can still provide free smoke detectors to community members in need, check batteries in homes and create a fire safe plan with families. 

The department is asking for a minimum donation of $25, with an option to donate any amount above. All donors will be given a personal sign of recognition that will be on display in front of the Rochester Fire Department during the month of October.

Donations can be made at the Fulton County Community Foundation, 227 E 9th St, in Rochester. Checks are payable to The Northern Indiana Community Foundation with the memo RFD Endowment. 

The donation deadline is September 25 at 5 p.m. 

DuBois said on top of the free detectors, the department also provides installations for both smoke or carbon monoxide detectors by request. Although this year RPD firefighters will not be going door-to-door, they department encourages community members to call the fire department at 574-223-6113 for any requests for a free detector.

After the tragic passing of Maurice and Barbara Lewis due to carbon monoxide poisoning, the Lewis family donated money towards 45 carbon monoxide detectors, which will also be given away for free at the fire station during the month of October. 

While October highlights awareness about house fires, DuBois said autumn is also a time for families to be aware about the threat of carbon monoxide build-up in homes as well. 

DuBois said many do not realize even charging batteries in the home can create carbon monoxide build-up.