Malden’s 7th Annual Public Safety Day

Special to The Advocate

Hundreds turned out last Sunday for the city’s Public Safety Week event hosted by the Malden Fire and Police Departments. Families enjoyed fun and interactive ways to learn about staying safe. There were bouncy houses and “touch a truck” events where children climbed on fire engines and ladders, police cars, an ambulance and DPW trucks. Free pizza, hot dogs, slush and pumpkins were handed out. Everyone received goody bags and many children participated in the raffles where five iPads were awarded.

Several City of Malden departments, including the Board of Health, Recreation Department, DPW and the Tree Warden, hosted tables providing information and fun goody bags. The event was sponsored by Cataldo Ambulance, Malden Housing Authority, Piantedosi Baking Co., Stop & Shop and the MWRA Water Fountain, Kayem Foods, Anthony’s of Malden, Ward 8 Councillor Jadeane Sica, Councillor-at-Large Craig Spadafora and Malden Girl Scouts.

The Fire Department also hosted their annual Smoke Detector Installation Program during Fire Prevention Week, where they installed 60+ smoke and carbon detectors for Seniors 65 and older. Fire Prevention Week is observed every October in remembrance of the Great Chicago Fire that began on October 8, 1871, and killed more than 250 people, along with destroying more than 17,400 structures across 2,000 acres. In 1911, 40 years after the fire, the Fire Marshals Association determined that the anniversary of this fire should be observed annually to generate awareness about fire prevention.