Sunday, March 1, 2015

Shelton fire prevention contest winners applauded

Students create posters, write essays










SHELTON – Two first place Fire Prevention Poster Contest winners, a fourth grade and a fifth grade winner, were announced during the annual Shelton Fire Prevention Contest Awards Ceremony last week at Shelton Intermediate School

Overall winners are: 4th Grade - Kendyll Flamini, Long Hill School
 5th Grade - Charlotte Zilinek, Perry Hill School

Each of their posters advanced to a state level contest. 
Assistant Chief Ted Pisciotta congratulated students and thanked parents, teachers, principals, and firefighters for their efforts.
Mayor Mark A. Lauretti spoke about the benefit of this annual contest and his gratitude for all the many individuals that support this fire safety program. 
He commented that fire safety education is important to save lives, prevent harm, protect property, and keep firefighters safe. 
All first and second place winners from the 4th and 5th grade representing each of Shelton’s public and parochial schools, then received a cash award of $75 and $50, respectively from Lauretti. The two overall city of Shelton winners were each presented a cash award of $100, a certificate, and a medal.
The annual poster contestlaunched in 1984, is designed to develop fire safety awareness in youngsters and to encourage them to take the message home to their families. 
It is jointly sponsored by Connecticut FAIR Plan, representing the insurance industry in the state; the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association; Connecticut Board of Education; and the Office of State Fire Marshal. 
Contest administered by fire prevention bureau 
The local contest is administered by the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau. 
Approximately 900 posters were submitted this year from Booth Hill, Elizabeth Shelton, Long Hill, Mohegan, Perry Hill, St. Joseph, St. Lawrence, and Sunnyside schools. Each student who submitted a poster will receive a Certificate of Appreciation and a pen from the Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Committee. Judging was held Dec. 17, with representatives from the Board of Aldermen judging the artwork. 
All first place posters will be displayed over the next year at schools, public buildings, and events. 

Lauretti also presented cash awards and certificates to winners of the Sixth Grade Essay/Public Service Announcement Contest. Classrooms, and each student author, received a cash award of $100, $75, and $50 for first, second, and third place, respectively. 
The Bureau is thankful for the volunteer essay/PSA judges from the Valley Independent Sentinel, the Connecticut Post, and The Valley Voice blog.
Since the contest began in 1996, its purpose has been to promote fire safety by having students research the topic while writing their PSA. 
The fire department/fire prevention bureau would like to use the essay to help remind adults and children how important fire prevention is to Everyone/Everyday. 
This year’s winners are:
1st Place
 Ms. Ibsen’s Class, Perry Hill School
Author:  Emily Sandin

2nd Place
Mr. Anderson’s Class, Saint Joseph School
Author:  Nicholas Couture

3rd Place
Mrs. Coffin’s Class, Perry Hill School
 Author:  Aliye Reinhardt

Students in both the poster and essay contests depicted many of the essential elements of preventing fire from ever occurring and of preparation and planning required to be ready for fire. 
Pisciotta is hopeful the messages of posters and essays will be shared with everyone in the community to help further reduce needless damage to property, injury to persons, and loss of life that can result from fire. 
In addition to spreading information about fire safety, Pisciotta also finds the contest helpful to measure the effectiveness educational programs of the fire prevention bureau.  
From reviewing the nearly 900 posters and 40 essays it becomes apparent where the bureau has made a great impact. The contest has identified areas where special focus may be needed to improve educational efforts.

For information about fire safety, the public is encouraged to contact the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau, 203-924-1555, or at www.cityofshelton.org, where all winning posters and essays may be viewed by finding the Fire Prevention Bureau under "Public Safety.” 
For direct web access go to: www.sheltonfireprevention.org 

This post is taken from a press release from Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention.

* I'd like to congratulate all the sixth graders whose well-written essays made it to the final judging in December. Their efforts are to be commended.

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