The two first place winners, a fourth grade and a fifth grade winner, were announced during the annual Shelton Fire Prevention Contest Awards Night held on January 17, 2001. Winners are as follows:

Mayor Mark A Lauretti presented each with a cash award of $75

In addition all finalists, who included a first and second place winner from the each 4^th and 5^th grade representing each participating school received a cash award of $25 from Mayor Lauretti. All first place posters have been displayed over the past few months at schools and public buildings as the Fire Prevention Bureau Art Exhibit.

Schools participating included Booth Hill, Elizabeth Shelton, Lafayette, Long Hill, Ripton, Sunnyside, Mohegan and St. Joseph School. Judging was held on December 4, 2000 with guest judges who included local news media representatives, city officials and firefighters.

Approximately 890 posters were submitted this year. Each student will receive a Certificate of Appreciation and a pen from the Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Committee.

Fire Chief John Millo presented all students at the awards ceremony with a tee shirt depicting the contest theme, "Fire Prevention Everyone/Everyday."

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 this state; the Connecticut Fire marshals Association; Connecticut Board of Education and the Office of State Fire Marshal.