Hawkins Lt. Richard "Hawk" Hawkins has resumed the duties of the Delphi Tri-Township Volunteer Fire Department Fire Safety Program.

Hawkins coordinated the program from 2000 until July 2007 when he stepped down to stabilize an employment situation. Hawkins said he was eager to resume coordinating duties to provide fire prevention services which he considers to be critically important to Carroll County citizens and families.

Hawkins said he will lead the program to focus on helping families establish fire escape routes and the presence of working smoke detectors within the home.

"With the high price of food and fuel, families might forget the importance of changing the batteries in smoke detectors monthly," he said. "The program will be reminding adults and children alike that protecting our families and homes is just as critical a necessity."

Program components include the Smokehouse, the Fire Safety trailer, public speakers and printed education materials free of charge.

Hawkins said the first event will be Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6-11. Several local schools and groups will participate in activities that week designed to call attention to fire safety issues.

Hawkins will be joined by the Delphi firefighters, cadets and Delphi Tri-Township Ladies Auxiliary members. Delphi firefighters Jeff Cox and Mike Eiler will assist with coordinator duties. Hawkins can be reached at (765) 564-2376 to schedule a program or for information.

"I'm just glad that I was able to come back to this job," he said. "I really enjoy this program and want to provide the best service we possibly can to everyone in Carroll County. Everyone involved with the fire department supports this program which says how valuable it is to the community."