Owensboro proclaims Firefighter Appreciation Month; fire marshal highlights school outreach and battery safety

Mayor Pro Tem Bob Glenn presented a proclamation declaring October 2025 as Firefighter Appreciation Month in Owensboro, thanking members of the Owensboro Fire Department for their “extraordinary courage, professionalism, and compassion.”

Deputy Fire Marshal Brian Roberts described the department’s Fire Prevention Week activities, including visits to elementary schools where firefighters taught children how to respond when a smoke detector sounds, how to stop, drop and roll, and the importance of having a meeting place outside the home. Roberts said the National Fire Protection Association’s 2025 theme focused on device charging and lithium‑ion battery safety and urged residents to "buy only listed products, charge your devices safely, and then recycle your batteries." He noted the department’s long history of school outreach and said the hands‑on demonstrations help children retain safety messages.

Roberts also urged residents to check smoke detectors and batteries, citing national figures discussed during his presentation and offering practical assistance: "If anybody here needs one ... please send them my way, and we'll get them taken care of," he said, inviting residents to contact the fire marshal’s office for help obtaining or installing detectors.

The proclamation and presentation were ceremonial items early in the Oct. 21 commission meeting; no policy action was required. The commission proceeded to regular business after the presentation.