Richard and Catherine Klosterman and their daughter Mallory will receive the Smoke Detector on Guard Award from the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal and the New Bremen/German Township Fire Department on Tuesday, August 11 at 8 p.m. The presentation will be held at the New Bremen Village Council Chambers at 214 N. Washington Avenue.

"The Smoke D.O.G. Award recognizes heroes such as the Klosterman family, who save lives by responding to the warning sounds of a smoke detector," said Donna Owens, Director of the Department of Commerce. "Like a guard dog, a smoke detector 'stands watch' over the home both day and night."

The Klostermans will receive the award for their actions after fire broke out in their home on July 22, 1998 at 6854 State Route 66 -- above Barn 66/Tastee Scoop ice cream shop. The Klostermans were asleep in their home when their smoke detector sounded. Catherine was awakened by the detector and saw a glow of fire from outside her window. She quickly woke up her husband and daughter. After the family fled the building, they ran to a neighbor's house and called 911. Through the family's alert response to the smoke detector alarm, their lives were saved and major property damage was averted.

"Of approximately 200 Ohioans who die each year from fire, half of these lives could have been saved if at least one smoke detector had been installed and maintained in the home," said Fire Marshal James J. McNamee. "For the greatest level of safety, a smoke detector should be placed on every level of the home and tested monthly."

New Bremen Fire Chief Robert Kuck and Division of State Fire Marshal fire safety educator Jerry Baucher will be presenting the award certificate and "Smoke D.O.G." t-shirts to the Klostermans.

The "Smoke D.O.G." program stands for "SMOKE Detector On Guard." Like a guard dog, a smoke detector stands watch over the home both day and night. Most fatal fires occur during the night when people are sleeping and most vulnerable. The Smoke D.O.G. Award recognizes individuals whose lives were saved by reacting appropriately to the warning sound of a smoke detector.

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The Ohio Department of Commerce is one of the state's chief regulatory agencies. It works to protect Ohioans by enforcing regulations involving construction, fire codes, financial institutions, investment, liquor control, real estate, and unclaimed funds. The Department's internet address is www.com.state.oh.us.