Daniel Ramos, a fifth-grade student from Shelton’s St. Joseph School, was named a county winner of the 2013 – 2014 Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest.
Ramos, among four county winners, was honored along with 32 others at an award presentation luncheon March 27 in Cromwell, where he was awarded a $150 check and a framed County Winner Certificate.
In attendance were his mother, Mrs. Maribel Ramos; his aunt, Liliana Cubillos; and his uncle, Father Hector Leon. Shelton Fire Marshal James Tortora also attended to recognize Daniel’s achievement.
Daniel’s poster displays the importance of testing smoke alarms and ensuring fresh batteries are used. Ted Pisciotta, Shelton Fire Department’s assistant chief of fire prevention, said that “Daniel clearly understands and captures the important aspects of providing and maintaining working smoke alarms that everyone should consider.”
Installing smoke alarms throughout the home are critical to providing early warning to allow occupants time to be awakened and escape. Fresh batteries and testing are important to ensure this life saving equipment functions when needed.
Daniel’s poster will be printed in the 2014 Connecticut State Fire Prevention Calendar and will be on display during Fire Prevention Week at the State Capitol.
The contest 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.
In January of this year, Daniel was presented an award as fifth grade city winner in Shelton. Nearly 1,000 fourth- and fifth-grade students from all Shelton public and parochial schools participated in the competition.
Daniel’s poster as well as the first place winning posters from each school is part of a portable poster art display that is currently being transported to various locations of the city.
For more information about fire safety, the public is encouraged to contact the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau at 924‑1555 or on the web under “Public Safety” at www.cityofshelton.org