ADT, a provider of security and automation solutions for homes and businesses, celebrated one of its LifeSaver events in Kingsport, Tenn. where ADT Customer James Arnold was reunited with rescuers who helped save him from a home fire while watching football on TV.
“I was barefoot, in my boxers and sitting in a chair when suddenly the wall behind the TV, burst into flames,” said Arnold. “I tried putting it out with a fire extinguisher but then I passed out from the toxic fumes.”
An ADT dispatcher received a signal from Arnold’s home security system and tried calling the home. Without an answer, she phoned local firefighters who quickly arrived. They broke through the door and found Arnold unconscious on the floor.
“They dragged me outside and resuscitated me,” said Arnold. “I am alive today because of first responders and ADT.”
To celebrate the successful outcome, ADT Sr. Vice President Bobby Dale presented LifeSaver Awards to eight ADT employees whose jobs contributed to the save. Included was ADT Dispatcher Stacey Fioravanti who flew over a thousand miles from ADT’s Customer Care Center in Rochester, NY to meet Arnold for the first time.
“Helping to save lives for a living is the essence of what we do at ADT,” said Fioravanti. “Being able to meet Mr. Arnold today is a highlight of my seven-year career at ADT and I will always cherish it.”
Dale also awarded $5,000 to the Warriors Path Volunteer Fire Department which urged people to be extra diligent about fire safety during the winter months.
“Home fire deaths and injuries are preventable, especially if smoke detectors are in the home,” said Chief Ben Wexler.
The National Fire Protection Association reports someone dies from a residential fire every 169 minutes. Monitored smoke detectors can help prevent these tragedies.