CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Class of 1964 Marshalltown High School alum Wayne Bannon, right, was recently recognized by the Memphis Fire Department for a smoke alarm installation project he has led.

Class of 1964 Marshalltown High School alum Wayne Bannon, who now resides in Memphis, Tenn., was recently recognized by the Memphis Fire Department for a smoke alarm installation project he started with a simple goal: to create a program that would benefit the entire city by keeping families safe.

“I began by working with just a couple of volunteers, and over the years we have remained committed to the mission. My goal has always been to see every household in the city of Memphis equipped with a working smoke alarm,” he said.

To date, they have installed over 1,800 smoke alarms in local homes.

“Knowing that these alarms have the potential to save lives has been the greatest reward of all,” Bannon said. “I am honored to have received this recognition, but I believe the real achievement belongs to everyone who has volunteered their time and supported this effort to make our community a safer place.”