Putting out fires

A trio of Fort Myers area firefighters has completed their first year in the business of keeping smoke alarms up to snuff.

Firefighters Dave Russell, Scott LaBree and David Lundbohm founded Smoke Detector Medic after seeing many homeowners seldom notice their smoke detectors and realize the need for maintaining them. (It's a problem in many other regions, too.)

Smoke Detector Medic offers homeowners a yearly service on their smoke alarms for $89. The firefighters inspect, clean and change the batteries. The firefighter trio also offers a one-time fire alarm installation for $49.

Russell, LaBree and Lundbohm started the Fort Myers business after years of responding to home fires and finding dead or malfunctioning smoke detectors. A tendency of newer homes in the region to have detectors placed atop high ceilings and mostly out of view makes Smoke Detector Medic's services even more vital, they say. “When the smoke gets that high, then you have a problem,” Russell says.

The three firefighters operate their business 24/7. Their work schedules give them the flexibly to do this, Russell says. They respond to most service calls the same day, he says.

Business has been gaining momentum. “We're on track to really do well this year,” Russell says, noting they promote Smoke Detector Medic through word of mouth and by “beating the streets and handing out business cards.”

Next up? “We're looking to franchise,” Russell says.