Title
To proclaim May 2-8, 2004 as NATIONAL ARSON AWARENESS WEEK.
Body
WHEREAS, Arson is a serious crime that affects each and every person and can only be stopped when citizens realize the severe damage that arson causes; and
WHEREAS, Arson is the second leading cause of fire death in the United States - topped only by smoking; and
WHEREAS, Each year it is estimated that direct property damage due to Arson reaches billions of dollars; and
WHEREAS, The Columbus Division of Fire Arson Bureau investigates over 1000 fires each year for arson; and
WHEREAS, Communities and neighborhoods are blighted by Arson which results in an erosion of the tax base and loss of employment; and
WHEREAS, Arson fires jeopardize the lives of citizens and emergency service personnel; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Division of Fire stresses the importance of citizens being aware of arson and how it affects everyone; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this council does proclaim the week of May 2-8, 2004 as NATIONAL ARSON AWARENESS WEEK and encourages all citizens to learn more about the tremendous toll arson takes on our community and our nation and to commit themselves to prevention efforts.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be presented to the Columbus Fire Arson Bureau as a token of our esteem.