PRESS RELEASE	Shelton Fire Department Office of the Fire Marshal Fire Prevention Bureau www.ctconnect.com/sheltonfire www.cityofshelton.org
Release Date: March 30, 2007	Media Contact: Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief – Fire Prevention Phone: (203) 922-1914 E-mail: tedpisciotta@sbcglobal.com

Shelton Student Fairfield County Winner of Poster Contest

SHELTON – Christopher Turechek, 4th Grade Student from Elizabeth Shelton School, was honored along with 32 other Winners of 2006-2007 Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest. Christopher, along with 3 other Fairfield County students was selected as County winners. During an Award Presentation Luncheon that was held on March 29, 2007 in Cromwell, Connecticut, Christopher was awarded a $100 savings bond and a framed County Winner Certificate. In attendance were Ms. Beverly Belden, Elizabeth Shelton School Principal, Christopher’s teacher, Ms. Toni Pannella, his parents, Frank and Maria Turechek, Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief - Fire Prevention and James Tortora, Fire Marshal.

Christopher's poster displays a variety of important aspects of fire safety, using Olympic style award medals. Using his slogan, “Medal Against Fire,” each medal depicts an aspect of preventing a fire or preparing for one, including cigarette safety, smoke alarms, calling 911 and escape planning. Chief Pisciotta believes that "Christopher clearly understands and captures the important aspects of fire safety that everyone should consider." "He obviously applied a great amount of careful thought and planning in developing his poster." His poster will be printed in the 2008 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 this state; the Connecticut Fire marshals Association; Connecticut Board of Education and the Office of State Fire Marshal.

In January of this year, Christopher was presented an award as fourth grade city winner in Shelton. Nearly 1,000 4^th and 5^th grade students from all Shelton public and parochial schools participated in the competition. Christopher'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. In addition, posters and other information about fire safety can be viewed on the Internet by accessing the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau web site by clicking, “Public Safety” when visiting www.CityofShelton.org.

Attachments:

1. Photo of Christopher at the Awards Presentation.

Pictured from left to right – Frank Turechek, Christopher Turechek, Maria Turechek, and Toni Pannella (photo by Pisciotta)

2. Photo of Christopher’s Poster.