PRESS RELEASE	Shelton Fire Department Office of the Fire Marshal Fire Prevention Bureau www.ctconnect.com/sheltonfire www.cityofshelton.org
Release Date: May 1, 2008	Media Contact: Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief – Fire Prevention Phone: (203) 922-1914 E-mail: tedpisciotta@sbcglobal.com

Shelton Student State Winner of Fire Prevention Poster Contest

SHELTON – Christopher Turechek, 4th Grade Student from Elizabeth Shelton School, was honored along with 32 other Winners of 2007-2008 Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest. Christopher, along with 3 other Fairfield County students were selected as County winners. However, the top honor, in a surprise announcement, went to Christopher as the Connecticut State Winner. During an Award Presentation Luncheon that was held on March 27, 2008 in Cromwell, Connecticut, Christopher was awarded a savings bond and a framed County Winner Certificate. In attendance were Ms. Karen Crosby, Elizabeth Shelton School Assistant Principal, Christopher’s teacher, Mrs. Darlene Dunn, his parents, Frank and Maria Turechek, Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief - Fire Prevention and Bob Rockwell, Deputy Fire Marshal.

Christopher's poster displays a variety of important aspects of fire safety with a title caption “Be a Fire Survivor.” One side of his poster depicts examples how to prevent a fire, while the opposite side shows examples of preparing for one. His themes included clothes dryers, electrical, matches, 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 re-printed as the 2008 State Fire Prevention Poster and appear on the front of folders provided to all 4^th and 5^th grade students throughout the state as well as be the cover of the 2009 Connecticut State Fire Prevention Calendar. During Fire Prevention Week in October, his poster will be on display 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 – Christopher Turechek, Gerry Brooks, Darlene Dunn, Frank Turechek, Karen Crosby, Maria Turechek (photo by Mark Lush)

2. Photo of Christopher’s Poster.