Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
On Tuesday, April 15, the Live Oak Fire Department (LOFD) received 50 BRK Brand smoke alarms from O’Brien-based Security Safe, Inc. and Rob Cathcart State Farm. The donation was a way for both Cathcart and Security Safe, Inc. owner Joseph Peurrung to give back to the community and keep residents safe in their homes. “We were approached for a need in the community, and we would love to help out,” Perrung said. Perrung said that the idea for the donation came from a contact at the Lake City Fire Department (LCFD), who had a mutual friend express the need for help at LOFD with smoke detectors. LCFD had recently received a similar donation of 25 BRK smoke alarms. “We had helped with both Columbia and Suwannee County for years, and we reached out to the city to see if they had needs as well. They did,” Perrung said. Security Safe, Inc. partnered with Rob Cathcart State Farm, which provided the donation for LOFD. “This is an important donation, and I am glad we could help,” Cathcart said. “I am honored to donate smoke detectors to our community so we can keep our citizens safe.” The smoke detectors provided to LOFD are battery-powered, which allows for easy installation within a home. Each detector also comes with a 9-volt battery and has a test and silent feature. The technology included in the smoke alarm helps with the early detection of fires and also reduces cooking nuisance alarms. “We are honored to partner with Security Safe and State Farm with their donations of the smoke detectors,” Firefighter Kerner Kafka said. “A smoke detector can save your life. If, at 2 a.m., you have a fire, these will go off and wake you up so you can go outside.” He also said that if any Live Oak citizens need a working smoke detector, they should visit the Live Oak Fire Department and pick one up. To claim a free smoke detector, visit the Live Oak Fire Department at 200 NE Duval St.