Middletown Division of Fire Receives Grant

The Middletown Divison of Fire will receive a $79,560 grant from the United States Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. It plans to use the money to advance its firefighter health and safety programs.

Fire Chief Steve Botts said the Middletown Division of Fire is "thrilled" to receive the money. "This grant will have a real impact in our community, it will be cost effective and it will directly impact public safety," he added.

Congressman Boehner announced the grant last week, "The Middletown Division of Fire has a long history of service and dedication to the people of Butler and Warren counties. I am pleased to announce this award, and congratulate everyone at the Middletown Division of Fire for all of their hard work throughout this highly competitive grant process.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is a highly competitive process, overseen by fire service experts. The purpose of the program is to provide grants that will help local fire departments and emergency medical service organizations enhance preparedness and capability. This includes equipment upgrades and training. The Operations and Safety grants, like the one awarded to the Middletown Division of Fire, supports training, equipment, personal protective equipment, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.

The Middletown Division of Fire, led by Botts, has 85 members and provides fire suppression, ALS paramedics, pre-hospital emergency medical services including transport duties, fire prevention, hazardous material response, confined space entry and other technical rescue actions. It have five stations located on North Clinton Street, Dixie Highway, Tytus Avenue, Central Avenue, and Roosevelt Boulevard.

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Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.

ODOT & Walmart Say Stay Safe this Holiday Season

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Wal-mart are teaming up this year to help you have a safe holiday shopping season. Their message to Ohio drivers? "Ice and Snow...Take it Slow." In a campaign that started last week and will last throughout the holiday season, the ODOT's safety message will appear in the 150 Walmarts and Sam's Clubs in the state. This is the second year that a public and private partnership has formed to encourage driver safety.

"Being safe is a team effort. Through this partnership with Walmart, we will be reaching millions of Ohioans with an important message of safety," said Jolene M. Molitoris, the Director of the ODOT.

Walmart Safety Fleet Manager, Jim Murphy said of the partnership, "We want to take care of our employees and our customers, that's why we decided to partner with ODOT. While obvious, the message to all drivers, in 'Ice and Snow... Take it Slow' does not grow old."

Both the ODOT and Walmart are champions of safety. In the state, Walmart's delivery truck drivers have been recognized and awarded numerous times for safety by the Ohio Trucking Association. This year, Walmart even received the "Safest Fleet in America" award.

Last winter, there were 44,725 accidents on Ohio roads. 3,415 people were injured and 80 people were killed. Many of these accidents were the result of speeding or following too close.

The ODOT says that all drivers need to realize that winter road conditions can change from minute to minute within less than a mile. This goes for everyone driving vehicles that have four wheels or eighteen wheels and especially in snowy or icy conditions.

To access up-to-date and 24-hour road conditions, visit the ODOT's map-based website http://www.buckeyetraffic.org/. And remember, in Ice and Snow...Take it Slow!

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Remember to call 513-422-1907 for Security Camera Systems in Middletown, Cincinnati, or the Dayton, Ohio areas.