Staying safe: Sterling, Rock Falls firefighters host fire safety event

STERLING – A tragedy nine years ago spurred Becca Mayberry to create a fire safety event that took place Saturday, Jan. 11, at Sterling’s Northland Mall.

“My main goal is to prevent even one family from suffering a tragedy,” said Mayberry, who lost nine family members in a 2016 fire. “Don’t be shy to ask for help.”

Working with both the Sterling and Rock Falls fire departments, a kiosk was set up at the mall where visitors could pick up smoke detectors; replace cheap, dangerous extension cords with new power strips; gather information on safety and prevention; and learn about stickers that attach to the back of a car seat and list important information about the child.

The departments also encourage residents to sign up for Community Connect, an online program where users can input information to assist departments during an emergency. Sterling residents can go to www.communityconnect.io/info/il-sterling and Rock Falls residents can go to www.communityconnect.io/info/il-rockfalls.

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Becca Mayberry talks about the family tragedy that pushed her to create a fire safety event Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at the Northland Mall in Sterling. Nine members of Becca’s family were killed in a fire on Jan. 13, 2016 in Rock Falls. (Alex T. Paschal)