[Madelaine Amee]

A similar thread ran some considerable time ago and at that time there were some comments about “there being much better things for the Fire Department to do than change batteries”.

Well, yesterday I found out what an absolutely incredible service this is. My other half is two weeks out from having a complete joint replacement and is obviously totally incapacitated. Yesterday morning, Sunday, at approximately 6am, one of my smoke alarms started to chirp – oh goody what on earth am I going to do on a Sunday morning with smoke alarms chirping. I called the number and got a recorded message that they were closed until Monday and I should leave my name and number and they would get back to my on Monday. I had a minor panic and then decided to call our own Community Watch – the nicest guy ever answered the phone, I explained my problem, he gave me another number to call and then asked if I needed any help with my husband, and if I did just call them and someone would be here ……………. I cannot tell you how many times I have thought they were useless …………… not so any more.

Thank goodness for the dreaded WalMart store being open at that time in the morning – went down and purchased all new batteries. The fire truck arrived within 5 minutes which livened up the neighborhood to no end, a young woman and a young man came in, changed all the batteries, checked the system, asked if I needed any help with my other half. I asked if we could make a donation and was told absolutely not, this was a service to the residents of TV.

Say what you will – this was a life saver for me. Just another example of an excellent service provided for the residents of TV.

[duffysmom]

Every day I find another reason to love living in TV. Thank you and blessings to your husband. .

[Schaumburger]

Thank you for posting this. Reaffirms why I want to move to TV someday. And I hope your husband has speedy and full recovery.

[rubicon]

This story is really nice.

[Madelaine Amee]

I probably should have given the phone numbers for new residents who may wish to use this service in the future:

Fire Safety - Monday to Friday - 352-205-8280
Off hours Service - 352-569-1011

Also, to have the Fire Department change out and check your smoke alarms, you need to have all NEW BATTERIES.

[jblum315]

They do it because they really don't want older people climbing up on ladders - ant for one am very grateful for the service

[missypie]

This is wonderful and helpful information. Thank you to all that serve those that can't.

[redwitch]

BTW -- Those numbers that were given are for Sumter County only. Don't know if Marion or Lake Counties offer the same services.

[asianthree]

thanks for the info