'Don't Hide, Get Outside:' Kids' Posters Teach About Fire Safety

BRANFORD, CT — Kids poster drawing contests are the best. Every student that enters puts their heart into the project. And when the posters address fire safety,

Every year, the Branford Fire Department, not unlike most statewide, hold the annual Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Recognition Program and every year, the colorful and informative designs submitted by fourth and fifth grade kids impress. This year is no different.

Many entered and a first and second-place winner was chosen from each grade.

Liliana Vitale was a 1st place winner in her grade. She is a 5th grade student at East Shoreline Catholic Academy. Her teacher is Ms. Stephanie Voytek.

Elise Kane was a 2nd place winner in her grade. She is a 5th grade student at East Shoreline Catholic Academy. Her teacher is Ms. Stephanie Voytek.

Aiden Piroli was a 1st place winner in his grade. He is a 4th grade student at East Shoreline Catholic Academy. His teacher is Mrs. Donna Pecoraro.

Grace Salter was a 2nd place winner in her grade. She is a 4th grade student at Mary R. Tisko School. Her teacher is Ms. DeNuzzo

The first place winners get a $100 gift card and second place winner get a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card.

According to Branford Fire Department Deputy Fire Marshal Robert Dobuzinsky, the winning posters will be submitted for judging on the county level., then, two New Haven County winners from each grade will be chosen, with the state winner named from the county finalists and that student's poster will be used as the official state poster to promote fire prevention.

All winning posters on the county level will be exhibited at the State Capitol.

The county winners will be awarded a $150 and the state winner will also receive a $750 and a matching grant of $500 will be awarded to the state winner’s school.

The Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Recognition Program is a cooperative effort of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, and Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association, Connecticut States Board of Education, and the Connecticut FAIR Plan (representing the insurance industry).