Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Stradling of Tipp City will receive the Smoke Detector on Guard Award from the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal and the Tipp City Fire Department on Monday, July 20th. The ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. at the Tipp City Council Chambers, 260 S. Garber Drive.

"The Smoke D.O.G. Award recognizes heroes such as Mr. and Mrs. Stradling, 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."

Mr. and Mrs. Stradling will receive the awards for their actions after fire broke out in their home. The Stradlings were asleep in their home when their smoke detector alerted them of the problem. They went downstairs to investigate and found a large amount of smoke on the first floor. They exited the house immediately and then called the fire department. Through Mr. and Mrs. Stradling'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."

Tipp City Fire Chief Steve Kessler and fire safety educator Jerry Baucher of the Division of State Fire Marshal's Fire Prevention Bureau will be presenting the award certificates and "Smoke D.O.G." t-shirts to Mr. and Mrs. Stradling.

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.

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.