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Villa Park Fire Department helps local bird sanctuary

Did you know that Amazon parrots and macaws have an average lifespan of over 60 years? For this reason, many of these birds are surrendered by their owners making the mission of the Greater Chicago Cage Bird Society's Rescue and Adoption Center so important.

The center at 317 S. Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park is one of a handful of rescue and adoption centers for cage birds in Illinois.

The nonprofit organization cares for over 100 surrendered and injured exotic cage birds; and relies solely on donations and grants to pay for their care and housing.

The center's mission, in addition to their rescue and adoption efforts, is to educate the public through public and private events and their website, on the care and commitment of owning a cage bird.

When Deputy Fire Chief Steve Stapleton received a phone call from Wendy Klausen, the center's board director and volunteer, requesting help in funding a fire alarm system in the center, he jumped into action.

Stapleton contacted Detection Systems & Service Inc. President Paul McGivern and Mike Grezenko of P.A. Crimson Fire Risk Services for help.

McGivern and Grezenko were moved by the center's mission. Detection Systems & Service gifted the center with a complete fire alarm system at a cost of over $8,000; and P.A. Crimson inspected and recharged the center's fire extinguishers at no charge.

Bob Dulski, the center's president, commented, "Our adoption center could not operate without the generosity of the community and businesses like Detection Systems and Service, Inc. and P.A. Crimson Fire Risk Services. We cannot be more appreciative for the fire alarm system and inspection and recharging of the fire extinguishers that are protecting our birds and volunteers."

The Greater Chicago Cage Bird Society is thankful for the many individual donors, volunteers and organizations that continue to support the rescue and adoption of these beautiful birds.

The center needs your help.

To volunteer, donate or get more information, email volunteer@gccbc.org or visit www.gccbc.org.

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