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Sher Grogg

Hometown
Selbyville, Delaware

My Story

Sher and Don

“In January 2015, I lost my invincible brother, resourceful sister-in-law, and their four precious grandchildren to a fire that was too fast and furious to escape. While they were sleeping, the smoke alarms sounded. Only three minutes later a neighbor reported fire shooting through the roof. Fourteen minutes after the smoke alarms sounded, the firefighters arrived but were not able to enter as the fire also vented through the windows and the front door.

The house burned to the ground and couldn’t be entered for two days due to the intense heat and dangerous condition as it smoldered. It was a torturous waiting period as the bodies were discovered one by one over the following week. Investigators later discovered that an electrical fire ignited the live Christmas tree that had been left up after Christmas, which led to the extreme speed and rapid spread of the fire. Even though there were exits nearby for each of them, they simply didn’t have enough time to escape. It didn’t matter that their alarm system alerted fire authorities. The only thing that could have saved them would have been a fire sprinkler system, which could have bought them the extra time needed to escape. It’s important that all residents practice their fire escape plans, listen for their smoke alarms, and install fire sprinklers. Fire sprinklers should be mandated in all new home construction.

I will mourn this tragedy until my dying day, but I will do everything possible to educate the public about the dangers and speed of fire, Christmas tree safety, and the importance of fire sprinklers so that this doesn’t happen to someone else. My brother and sister-in-law would want me to warn others to avoid further loss of life. I reached out to Common Voices and joined as a I realized I could accomplish more as a part of a team than I could alone.”

Video


Advocacy Portfolio

  • Assisted in defeating House Bill 19 in Maryland, which would have repealed the requirement for home fire sprinklers in all new home construction
  • Worked with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to produce a video promoting home fire sprinklers in Maryland
  • Lobbied for Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act in Washington, D.C.
  • Worked with United States Fire Administration on a holiday and Christmas tree fire safety campaign
  • Helped developed Common Voices Christmas Tree Safety customizable flier
  • Developing a Christmas tree safety labeling program for 2017 launch
  • Member of Maryland State Firemen’s Association

In the News

  • “She Lost 6 in Fire, Urges Christmas Tree Safety,” The Journal News, December 19, 2016.
  • “Loss of Loved Ones Spurs Safety Campaign,” The Rivertowns Enterprise, December 16, 2016.
  • “Annapolis Mansion Fire Legacy: From Tragedy to Outreach,” Capital Gazette, December 8, 2016.
  • “Family Member of Annapolis Mansion Fire Victims Trying To Prevent Similar Tragedies,” WJZ-TV, November 29, 2016.
  • “Annapolis Mansion Fire Tragedy: One Year Later, Victim’s Sister Turns to Prevention,” Capital Gazette, January 19, 2016.
  • “Sister of Md. Mansion Fire Victim Recalls Tragedy,” Firehouse, December 10, 2015.

Photos

  • Sher Grogg
  • Sher and Don
  • Sher Grogg

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  • Vina Drennan

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PO Box 162
Pleasant View, TN 37146
615-533-0305

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