August 14, 2008 - SFD and LA Roundballers “Team Up” for the Second Straight Year

Shreveport Fire Department and LA Roundballers Taem Up For Fire Safety

For the second consecutive year, the Shreveport Fire Department, with the help of the LA Roundballers, a local AAU basketball team, will once again “team up” for fire safety. Coaches Carl Harris and Russell Moon said by partnering with the Shreveport Fire Department, we are teaching these young men life skills and how to give back to the community.

Returning home from a recent basketball tournament in Orlando, Florida where they finished 6^th out of seventy teams, the LA Roundballers is a group of 12 teenage players who will give up a Saturday morning and assist Shreveport Firefighters with the distribution of free smoke alarms and safety information in the Allendale area.

On August 16^th at 9:00 a.m., firefighters and the LA Roundballers will meet in 1400 block of Harvard to begin canvassing several streets in close proximity to the July 27th fire that claimed the life of a 70 year old male, Joe Drain.

Shreveport Fire Chief Brian A. Crawford is encouraged by the commitment of these young men to serve their community and assist in providing a life saving device and information to citizens in need. Firefighters are hopeful that their effort will lead to a reduction in fire related injuries and death within the Allendale neighborhood.

After two years without a single fire death, Shreveport has recorded 5 fire deaths for 2008. The Shreveport Fire Department provides smoke alarms, fire safety information and programs, free of charge. Additional safety information can be obtained by viewing the Shreveport Fire Department’s website at shreveportfire.org or by calling 673-6740.