CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – A local foundation dedicated to fire safety is set to expand its mission thanks to a major state grant. The Christian Sheehan Smoke Alarm Foundation, named after a Champaign man who tragically died in a 2016 house fire, has been awarded up to $50,000 to continue providing free smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to the community.
Founded by Christian’s mother, Joy Sheehan, the organization has made it its mission to prevent similar tragedies by holding annual events where volunteers go door to door installing alarms.
“It’s not a matter of ‘do we have enough funds to keep getting smoke alarms,’” Sheehan said. “This will go on for many years now, which is the best possible outcome from our original vision.”
With the new funding, the foundation will be able to purchase nearly 900 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors—more than enough to sustain several years of operations. Sheehan credits State Senator Paul Faraci for helping secure the grant after volunteering with the foundation during a past installation event. Senator Faraci (D, Champaign) says the Sheehan family’s efforts are so incredibly admirable. “The Sheehan family turned unimaginable loss into lifesaving action, and their commitment to protecting others through the Christian Sheehan Smoke Alarm Foundation is nothing short of inspiring.”
This year’s event will take place on May 3 at 8 a.m., at Franklin STEAM Academy, located at 817 N. Harris Avenue in Champaign. Volunteers will be trained by the Champaign Fire Department, a key partner in the foundation’s efforts.
Faraci explains why the Sheehan Foundation he is so proud to support such a worthy cause. “I chose to allocate funding to this initiative because it directly saves lives – especially in communities that stand to benefit the most from extended fire safety resources. I’ve seen firsthand the impact of the alarm blitz, going door to door with volunteers to install alarms in homes that didn’t have them. This is a small but meaningful way to honor Christian’s memory, support the Sheehans’ mission and keep our neighbors safe.”
Joy Sheehan never wants another family to experience the heartbreak her family has. “Hopefully Christian’s life is helping save others,” Sheehan said, “and is drawing awareness to what a small price a smoke alarm is in comparison to the loss of a loved one.”
Volunteering requires no experience – all training will be provided by the Champaign Fire Department. There is a QR code on the Facebook site to register as a volunteer, and the community is welcome to contribute funds towards the future of this important program. For more information or to volunteer, visit the Facebook page or join them at Franklin STEAM Academy on the day of the event.