Widow of Fallen FDNY Firefighter Applauds Fast Track of Sprinkler Law
Vina Drennan, a New Jersey resident, didn’t let a winter storm keep her from making the trek to Trenton, NJ, to testify in support of fire sprinkler legislation this week.
Drennan is an advocate member of Common Voices, and is passionate about sharing the importance of fire sprinklers in keeping people safe.
Drennan testified in support of the “New Home Fire Safety Act” (A1698) which is a bill that would require most new single and two-family homes built in New Jersey to be equipped with fire sprinkler systems.
The New Jersey state Senate budget committee voted 9-1 this past Monday to approve the bill.
“We know this legislation will save lives in New Jersey,” added Drennan. “The technology exists to save citizen and firefighter lives and we should do everything we can to build the safest homes possible. I am happy the Senate budget committee made the decision to fast-track this legislation, lives will be saved because of their proactive decision.”
Drennan’s husband FDNY Captain John Drennan, died in the line-of-duty fighting a residential structure fire in 1994. Following her husband’s death, she has become an advocate for fire sprinklers. She currently serves on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors, along with her Common Voices role and service.
Common Voices is an advocates’ coalition determined to create a Fire Safe America and supports people who have been impacted by the ravages of fire, and understands firsthand that there are preventable deaths in children.
Common Voices supports the educational resources available at the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition www.homefiresprinkler.org and also National Fire Protection Association’s Residential Sprinkler Initiative at www.nfpa.org - partnering together we can make a difference—fire prevention works and fire sprinklers save lives! Within New Jersey, the New Jersey Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board also has many resources that are available at www.njfsab.org .
Additional resources are available at www.fireadvocates.org, www.nfsa.org, www.usfa.fema.gov, and www.strategicfire.org.
