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'Fire extinguisher in every vehicle' campaign grows as solemn anniversary nears

Tony Bendel, who organizes the Cindy's Law campaign, is seen holding stickers available at Home Hardware locations in St. Thomas and St. Marys on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News) Tony Bendel, who organizes the Cindy's Law campaign, is seen holding stickers available at Home Hardware locations in St. Thomas and St. Marys on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
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St. Thomas, Ont. -

Saturday will mark one year since the tragic loss of 35-year-old Cindy Devine in a fiery collision.

On Oct. 2, 2020, the St. Thomas woman's vehicle was struck on Highbury Avenue between St. Thomas and London.

She survived the crash before her vehicle caught fire. Passersby tried to help but ultimately had to back away.

Cindy died, leaving behind her husband and their four children.

Shortly after the crash, local people in the St. Thomas area began a campaign to put fire extinguishers into as many vehicles as possible.

“To date, three draws, 300 extinguishers for cars and 19 home ones we have given away,” states key organizer Tony Bendel.

‘Cindy's Law’ is the ultimate goal of the campaign. Bendel says it would see provincial legislation requiring all vehicles to carry a fire extinguisher.

“Our goal is to make sure all cars on the road have them. So, we want to get it implemented for your safety.”

While the effort will take time, in the interim, the local campaigns continue to grow.

Bendel says the St. Marys Fire Department is the latest to come on board.

With the support of numerous businesses, the Stonetown community will give away free fire extinguishers this Saturday -- on the anniversary of Cindy’s death.

Fire extinguishers can be picked up starting at 10 a.m. at the fire hall until the supply runs out.

Donations will also be accepted.

“We can only grow from there in Perth County. I’m hoping Stratford, Sebringville, Listowel, Mitchell will all jump on,” Bendel tells CTV News London.

And if they do, he believes the effort will make a difference and, one day, save a life.

Already, the fire extinguisher campaign created in Cindy Devine’s name has made a difference.

“We did hear of one story where there was a fire at a parking lot in a mall in London. Of course, thank God nobody got hurt. But, the person with the fire extinguisher to put it out, had won it in one of our draws.”

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