Pictured, from left, are Cory Benz, Titus Funeral Home; Winona Lake Fire Chief Mitch Titus; and Brooks Huffer, Titus Funeral Home.

WINONA LAKE — In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed fire prevention week a national observance making it the longest running public health observance in the United States. Each year during fire prevention week, children and adults learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Fire prevention week is observed each year during the week of the Great Chicago fire. The horrific and devastating fire killed more than 250 and left 100,000 people homeless. 

In honor of fire prevention week and all that local firefighters do, Titus Funeral Home staff, Cory Benz and Brooks Huffer, presented a donation to the Winona Lake Fire Department. The donation will be used to support fire prevention and safety education.

Benz, funeral director and the owner of Titus Funeral Home, said “Having served as both a volunteer firefighter and a paramedic, supporting our community’s first responders is something which means a lot to me and, as several of our staff members are active and retired first responders, this cause is incredibly meaningful to our staff overall. We understand how pivotal volunteerism and community donations can be to local departments and hope that our donation can support Fire Prevention Week’s 2018 campaign, “‘Look. Listen. Learn.'”

The donation was received by Fire Chief Mitch Titus at a pancake breakfast held by the Winona Lake Fire Department on Saturday, Oct. 5. National Fire Prevention Week is through Oct. 13.