Self-Preservation is a Basic Instinct.
Common Voices advocates set the stage for why a focus on the impact of fire is worth a glance. Pause and think about our instinct to survive and ask yourself why do we become complacent when it comes to fire safety? The myth “it’ll never happen to me”….sometimes, the truth burns.
In 2022, Common Voices launched a bold plan to capture the stories of all Common Voices advocates. The dream/plan is to have these stories provide the inspiration for a streaming service to create a Docu-series and/or a documentary called “The Truth Burns.” We believe that these stories are courageous, and that they can make a difference and prevent others from suffering similar tragedies. We hope you will join us in our efforts, share the links via all social media platforms, join our coalition with a donation. Working together, we can save lives, and we thank you for believing in our cause, supporting our advocates, and joining our movement for a Fire Safe America.
ADVOCATE FEATURE
Donna Henson
Donna Henson lost her son, Dominic Passantino, in a fire at his fraternity house at the University of Missouri on May 8, 1999.
In 2016, after years of work, an ordinance is now in effect requiring all fraternity and sorority houses in Columbia to have fire-sprinkler systems installed. Donna\’s advocacy inspires others to understand the importance of fire safety features. Listen and learn from her story, with her greatest hope being that others will not have to experience the tragedy that she and her family experienced.
For more information about Donna Henson, click here.
Don’t Be the One to Tell your Tragic Story
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There’s a Big Wound in Your Heart (Length :32)
A Firefighter in Your Home (Length 1:05)
An Obvious, Logical Solution (Length :37)
Flames Too Hot, Smoke Too Thick (Length 2:13)
Remembering Dominic (Length 1:05)
Advocate Stories
Justina Page
Justina recounts the harrowing fire that claimed the life of her son, Amos, and left her other sons, as well as herself, dealing with significant burn injuries, Justina inspires by sharing how she turned a tragic event into advocacy for the fire sprinkler technology that could have saved her son’s life and prevented her injuries.
Learn more about Justina >
The Difference Between Life & Death (Length 2:07)
A Mother\’s Worst Nightmare (Length 2:02)
The Important of Knowing (Length :35)
Causing Change (Length :49)
Sharing a Common Thread (Length 1:17)
The Pain and Power of Grief (Length :42)
Pam Golinveaux
Pam Golinveaux shares a deeply personal story about the impact of fire on her life, illustrating the emotional and physical scars that fire survivors carry. Her video emphasizes the importance of fire awareness and proactive safety measures, encouraging viewers to overcome complacency and take fire prevention seriously.
It Can Happen To You (Length 11:24)
The Value of Life (Length :37)
Offering a Life Saving Opportunity (Length :54)
It Only Takes Ten Seconds (Length 2:09)
Fire Doesn’t Discriminate (Length :35)
Be Prepared! (Length :39)
Rob Feeney
He lost his fiancé and friends in the fire and suffered devastating injuries himself. However, Rob was determined to become an advocate and to make a difference by sharing his story. Today he is more determined than ever to promote fire sprinklers and the life-saving work that fire sprinklers do.
Learn more about Rob >
Common Voices Goes to Washington (Length :35)
The Hard Road Ahead (Length :35)
Public Education (Length :54)
Paying the Costs (Length 1:02)
Vina Drennan
Common Voices Advocate Vina Drennan shares candid insight into her husband, Captain John Drennan, and his death and how she became a lifelong advocate as a result, sharing her story so that others can understand how she turned tragedy into advocacy.
Learn more about Vina >
We’re Still Fighting (Length 2:19)
The Job of Common Voices (Length :38)
Nobody Believes It Will Happen To Them (Length :59)
Fire Sprinklers Save Lives, It’s The Truth (Length 2:02)
Vickie Pritchett
Vickie sheds light on the emotional and physical toll that fire can take on individuals and families. Her testimony underscores the critical importance of fire prevention, early detection, and community education to help prevent others from experiencing fire trauma. Through her stories, Vickie inspires hope and resilience while advocating for stronger fire safety measures, including home fire sprinklers—the only technology proven to stop a fire from becoming deadly.
Learn more about Vickie >
Success Building Fire Safe Communities (Length 3:12)
Do You Know What To Do If Fire Breaks Out At Your Home? (Length 1:01)
How To Get Involved – Support The Cause! (Length 1:51)
Defining The Argument (Length 1:09)
We Can Make A Difference! (Length :43)
The Politics of Life Safety (Length 1:01)
Bonnie Woodruff
After having experienced the ultimate loss of her son, Ben, she knew she had to speak out to bring attention to this national tragedy and promote lifesaving fire sprinkler protection. Her mission was to save lives and prevent other parents from experiencing what my family had to experience.
Learn more about Bonnie >
Ben’s Story (Length 12:59)
Finding Your Voice (Length 2:07)
The Journey Begins (Length :48)
The Concept of Saving Lives (Length :44)
Honor His Death, Honor His Life (Length :43)
Pam Elliott
Fire disfigured her but also given her purpose. Pam became a registered nurse and have been able to give comfort to others. Fire sprinklers should be installed in all new homes because of the dangerous speed of today’s fires. She hopes that her story and advocacy efforts will help prevent similar things from happening to others, especially children.
Learn more about Pam >
We Have The Means To Prevent It (Length :45)
You Have Nothing To Be Ashamed Of (Length :59)
The Cost of Recovery (Length :50)
A Story of Survival (Length 15:06)
It’s Just a Matter of Time (Length :59)
It Affects Everything (Length 2:28)
Dr. Ernest Grant
Dr. Ernest Grant, a respected voice in fire safety, provides an expert viewpoint on burn prevention and the significance of comprehensive safety strategies. His video educates viewers on the broader public health implications of fire injuries and stresses collaborative efforts to foster a Fire Safe America.
Understanding The Impact of Fire (Length 10:37)
Making The Investment (Length :49)
The Investment Is Worth It (Length 1:14)
Mark Esker
Mark’s burn trauma and scars (visible and hidden), only tell a small fraction of the story. He is living proof that sprinklers save lives. Join him in continuing to save lives TOGETHER!
Learn more about Mark >
A Fire Sprinkler Saved My Life (Length 10:57)
The Power of Sprinkler Systems (Length 1:56)
The Message (Length 1:00)
The Change That’s Needed (Length 1:21)
Opening Your Eyes (Length 1:14)
Before You’re Even Aware There’s Danger (Length 1:42)
Gail Minger
Gail chose to honor his legacy by looking out for the well being of students on college campuses nationwide, founding the Michael H. Minger Foundation. The goal of the Foundation has been to raise awareness and standards for campus fire safety, along with addressing fire safety needs for students with disabilities.
Learn more about Gail >
Michael’s Story (Length 14:18)
Voices For Those Who Have No Voice (Length 1:20)
The Significance of Fire (Length 1:05)
The Power To Effect Change (Length 2:18)
It’s Just “What If’s” (Length 1:08)
Changing The Culture From Within (Length 2:09)
Tina & Jeff Jordan
Tina and Jeff Jordan present a powerful joint testimony highlighting their family’s tragic experience with fire. Together, they articulate the enduring pain and lessons learned, underscoring the significance of preparedness and the critical role of smoke alarms and escape plans in saving lives.
Learn more about Jeff & Tina >
Things are Replaceable, People Are Not (Length 2:18)
Give Fire Sprinklers The Credit They Deserve (Length :48)
People Don’t Know (Length 1:40)
Sharing Their Story of Triumph (Length :39)
It Won’t Happen To Me (Length :55)
Fight for Something Important (Length :51)
Firefighter Blaine Higgins
Firefighter Blaine Higgins brings a frontline perspective to “The Truth Burns,” sharing firsthand insights from battling devastating fires. His story highlights the crucial role of firefighters and the urgent need for public awareness on fire prevention to reduce risks and protect both lives and first responders.
Until You’ve Been There (Length :36)
It’s a Win Win! (Length 1:09)
It Just Doesn’t Happen (Length :43)
Common Voices, Partners in Life Safety (Length :41)
Dan Jones
Dan Jones offers a compelling narrative focused on the challenges fire survivors face during and after a fire incident. His video delves into the realities of recovery and the importance of community support, advocating for stronger fire safety education to help others avoid similar fates.
The Hardest Thing You’ll Ever Do (Length 1:03)
Weighing The Costs (Length :47)
The Impact of Loss (Length :38)
The Chapel Hill Fire That Changed This Fire Chief (Length 16:04)
Five Kids Gave Their Lives (Length 2:14)
The Tragedies That Create Building Codes (Length :46)