NORWICH – At Monday night’s common council meeting, Norwich City Fire Chief Jan Papelino proposed a smoke detector program that could potentially provide free smoke detectors to residents in need.

According to Papelino, the program would require firefighters to inquire about the residents’ current coverage of smoke detectors in the home and aid them in making sure they're fully protected.

The fire department runs into all kinds of issues with residents smoke detector setups. From smoke detectors sitting in a box on the shelf, to incorrect installation, to simply a complete lack of detectors in the home.

The program would allow firefighters to check the quality of installed detectors, aid in the installation of smoke and co2 detectors, and provide smoke detectors to those who need them.