LOOK: Canton's Winner In Annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest

CANTON, CT — A young artist in the Canton School System was honored by town officials for her work to promote fire prevention and safety.

The Canton Board of Selectmen, on March 11, recognized a local student for her work in promoting fire safety, highlighting a long-running statewide education effort.

Canton Fire Marshal Tim Tharau and Canton First Selectman Kevin Witkos presented Hazel Kosch with the town’s Fire Prevention Poster Contest award during the meeting.

Kosch also received a 2025–26 first-place certificate for Canton from the Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest Committee.

Tharau noted the contest’s longevity and purpose, saying it "has been going on for probably 40 years in the state of Connecticut,” he said, adding that “Fire Prevention Every Day, Every Way” is the program’s motto.

Kosch described her poster to the board before posing for photos with officials.

“It’s fantastic. I’m glad we got a picture of that,” Witkos said after the presentation.

The annual contest, organized by the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, invites fourth- and fifth-grade students to create posters illustrating fire safety practices such as smoke detector maintenance, exit planning, and electrical safety.

Local winners advance to county and state-level judging, with top entries sometimes featured in fire safety calendars.

For the minutes of the March 11 Canton Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.

To watch the presentation and the March 11 Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.