Retired firefighter Bill Killen expressed concern this week with the decision by Isaiah 117 House not to install a sprinkler system in its new facility that will serve children in Hawkins and Hancock counties.
The new Isaiah 117 House is currently under construction in the Carters Valley community near Church Hill. It is expected to be completed this fall, and will serve as a safe, caring place for children to stay during the time after they are removed from their home, and before they are placed into faster care.
Killen, who previously served as president of the Hawkins County Firemen’s Association for two years, noted that he raised funds which were contributed for the sole purpose of installing a sprinkler system in the new facility.
Killen stated in a letter to Isaiah 117 House director of finance Bryan White that he was “deeply saddened” to receive notice that Isaiah 117 House declined to include a sprinkler system in its new Carters Valley house.
“Having been an active member in Hawkins County fire and emergency services the past decade — two years as president of the County Fireman’s Association — I am familiar with most of the people engaged in providing fire and emergency services,” Killen told White. “I do not recognize you and the other three individuals as members of the fire service and question your expertise to make such a critical decision to forego the installation of a sprinkler system. … Four people have died in house fires in Hawkins County since April 2023.”
White replied, “We are all so appreciative of your contributions to that effort and the passion that you have to ensure that our homes are as safe as possible. After lengthy discussion, however, we have made the decision to forego a sprinkler system in the house at this time. We arrived at that decision based on several factors, taking into account various safety measures already in place in our open homes in the event of an emergency.”
White further stated, “As an extension of good faith, we will be fully refunding your contributions from March 2023 totaling $3,160.00 that were earmarked for purchase and installation of the residential system. In addition, we will be contacting other donors who designated their gifts for this use and will honor a full refund to them as well.”
Isaiah 117 House president Siena Rambo also responded to Killen’s concerns.
“Thank you for your concern for the safety of the guests that will be using the Isaiah 117 house,” Rambo stated to Killen in a letter. “Safety for all the guests in our Isaiah 117 homes is a priority and something we take very seriously. In our construction of our homes, we follow all required guidelines and building codes to ensure the safety of the guests.”
Rambo added, “The board of directors and leadership team of Isaiah 117 House continually work together to ensure we are serving and caring for all our guests in our homes.”
Killen replied, “Again, I am asking/begging for the opportunity to address the Isaiah 117 House Board of Directors on why it is so important to include a sprinkler system in the Hawkins//Hancock Isaiah 117 House.”
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