To the Editor:

One July afternoon, one of my smoke detectors started to “chirp” and continued to do so. I realized that the battery had to be changed, and I could not accomplish it. I am in my “golden years” and climbing a ladder is not an option. In addition, the sound was upsetting my dog as it caused him to shake and cry.

I had no one to call to help me and heard that the police department would send a policeman to assist me in a matter such as this.

July 29, 2026