Safety for Life! It's Child Passenger Safety Week

Every 33 seconds, a child under 13 is involved in a crash. That's a terrifying statistic and one that demands immediate attention. Although highly preventable, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. Proper use of car seats, booster seats and seat belts has the potential to reduce these deaths, as well as many more injuries.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is sponsoring Child Passenger Safety Week, September 18-24, 2016 and throughout the year, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue’s child passenger safety technicians are dedicated to helping parents and caregivers learn how to correctly install child safety seats and properly buckle up children, whether it’s in child safety seats, booster seats or when using the vehicle’s seat belts.

For more information: MCFRS Car Seat Program

Commendation Medals Awarded

Emilie Crown was honored this week with the Fire Safety Commendation Award from the Sons of the American Revolution’s General William Smallwood Chapter in Montgomery County.

The prestigious Fire Safety Commendation Award is given to an individual for accomplishments and/or outstanding contributions in an area of fire safety and service. Emilie has been involved with public safety and community service for the past 37 years in Montgomery County, first as an emergency nurse and now in injury prevention with Montgomery County Fire Rescue’s nationally recognized car seat program and Safe Kids Montgomery County. Emilie's hard work and tireless efforts have been instrumental in saving countless lives. The Honorable Marc Elrich from the Montgomery County Council also spoke at the ceremony.

Three other public safety awards were presented. Chief Ned Sherburne from Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad received the EMS commendation medal (not able to attend) and Montgomery County Police officers Brian Nesbit (not able to attend) and Cody Fields (pictured) received the Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Commendation and award recognizing their heroic actions. Congrats to all!