Director of Commerce Donna Owens and Napoleon Fire Chief Alan Woo will present a Smoke D.O.G. award to Napoleon resident Linda Smith. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, August 13 at 4 p.m. at the Napoleon Fire Station, 265 W. Riverview Ave., Napoleon.

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

Linda will receive the award for her actions on the night of Sunday, May 17, 1998 after fire broke out in her home at Q-234 County Road, Napoleon. Linda reported that she does not have the ability to smell. When her smoke detector sounded, Linda first thought it was her alarm clock. She soon realized that the sound was her smoke detector and then quickly escaped the house. The fire department was immediately called. Through her alert response to the smoke detector, Linda's life was 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."

Director Owens and Chief Woo will be presenting the award certificate and a "Smoke D.O.G." t-shirt to Linda.

The "Smoke D.O.G." program stands for "SMOKE Detector On Guard." It is sponsored by Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal. 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.