More Than 80 Volunteers Install 1,000 Smoke Alarms Across Dodge City to Keep Families Safe

More than 80 community volunteers came together on Saturday, November 22, to install 1,000 new 10-year battery smoke alarms in manufactured home neighborhoods throughout Dodge City as part of a community-wide fire safety initiative hosted by the City of Dodge City and the Community Housing Association of Dodge City (CHAD).

Volunteers gathered at City Hall early Saturday morning for a brief training before heading into assigned neighborhoods to install long-life smoke alarms free of charge. Working in teams, volunteers went door to door to offer residents smoke alarm testing, replacement, and installation. The effort focused on helping households without functioning smoke alarms, an essential tool proven to save lives in home fires.

“I am excited by the number of volunteers who showed up today,” said Mollea Lightner, Assistant Director of Economic Development. “Their willingness to go door-to-door and help our neighbors made this project a success. Because of them, many families are safer tonight.”

We extend our sincere thanks to Koch Fertilizer, Western State Bank, Flex Fitness, and the Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas for making this project possible. Their generous support provided all smoke alarms, materials, and volunteer supplies, ensuring residents received 10-year battery smoke alarms at no cost. Their commitment to community safety directly contributed to the success of this event.

Volunteers included residents, students, City staff, and representatives from partner organizations. Volunteers worked in pairs to ensure safety and efficiency, completing installations in just a few hours.

Following the event, the VFW Post provided a free hamburger lunch to all volunteers in appreciation of their service.

The smoke alarm initiative is part of an ongoing effort to improve fire safety in Dodge City’s neighborhoods. The newly installed alarms include 10-year lithium batteries, ensuring families benefit from reliable, long-term protection.