Angels' Night organizers are seeking volunteers to patrol the streets of Detroit during Halloween, hoping to build on last year's 55% decline in fires from 2010.
"We need big support from the public," Detroit Fire Department Commissioner Donald Austin said today during an Angels' Night rally at the Detroit Recreation Department's General George S. Patton Memorial Center in southwest Detroit. He credited cooperation between firefighters, volunteers and residents with suppressing fires last year. "Our goal is to keep Detroit off the national news and negative press."
This year's Angels' Night volunteer effort will run from Oct. 29 through Oct. 31. Angel Night volunteers -- clad in an orange volunteer t-shirt or hat -- will deploy each night from four recreation centers throughout the city. Armed with flashlights or flashing lights mounted to their cars, they'll patrol the streets to help prevent fires.
Last year, there were 94 fires during the three days of Angels' Night, compared to an average of 20 to 25 fires on a typical day in Detroit. Of those, 83 fires were rubbish, structures or car fires, with 11 accidental fires in dwellings.
"Each year, it's the thousands of volunteers that make Angels' Night a success," Deputy Detroit Mayor Kirk Lewis said.
A ban on hand-held fuel containers will be in effect Oct. 27 through Oct. 31. During the ban, containers can be used only for a car out of gas or a home heated with kerosene, Detroit Police Department's Tactical Operations Lt. Renee Hall said.
Strict enforcement of curfews also will run fOct. 29 to 31. Anyone age 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in the city between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Parents whose children are out could face up to $500 in fines and 90 days in jail, Hall said.
The Detroit Police Department, recreation centers and volunteers will also be organizing Halloween parties for children and teens throughout the city during Angels' Night.
"We are asking parents not to entrust your children to an older sibling," Hall said, adding that she hopes families attend the festivities. "Enjoy these events with your children."
Erminia Ramirez, director of community relations and outreach for Community Health and Social Services Center (CHASS) in Detroit said she started volunteering for Angels' Night when her son was young. Now 26, he'll join her -- along with her 2-year-old grandson -- to volunteer.
Comerica Bank has donated $94,000 to the Angels' Night effort during the past 13 years. All White Castle restaurants again will provide two burgers and a drink to anyone wearing a current Angels Night volunteer t-shirt during the three days, spokeswoman Cheryl Collier said.
To volunteer, visit the Angels' Night Web site at www.angelsnight.org
Copyright 2012 - Detroit Free Press
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
