MEBANE, N.C., June 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Kidde, Country Music star and former first responder, Craig Morgan, Firehouse, the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) announced today that voting is now open for the "Step Up and Stand Out" video contest. The contest is part of a national campaign to increase awareness of the need for volunteer firefighters and to recognize those who voluntarily put their lives at risk to keep communities safe. Kidde, a leading manufacturer of residential fire safety products, is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).         

Launched nationwide in February, "Step Up and Stand Out" gave fire departments and the public the opportunity to submit videos nominating a current volunteer firefighter or support volunteer for recognition of their community service.  Submissions were accepted until May 21, and starting today, the public has the opportunity to vote online to determine the top five finalists, which will be announced at IAFC's Fire-Rescue International Show on Aug. 18. A final public vote will then select a grand prize winner who will be announced at the Firehouse Expo in October. The finalists and grand prize winners will receive a prize pack consisting of Kidde smoke alarm donations, safety grants, an NFPA Fire Prevention Week Kit, and more.

"Firefighters put their lives on the line every day and do more than many people realize to keep our communities safe," said Morgan. "I hope everyone will take advantage of the chance to vote for our volunteer firefighters so we can show them how appreciative we are for all they do."

There are approximately 30,000 fire departments in the U.S. and 87 percent are either fully or partially staffed by volunteers. These men and women act as the first line of defense in an emergency, provide medical services and protect more than 50 percent of Americans, particularly in rural communities; however, their numbers have steadily declined. Through voting and participation in the Step Up and Stand Out campaign, the public can help raise awareness of the need for more volunteers and help to acknowledge local heroes who are making a difference.

Visit Firehouse.com/VF to submit your vote until July 31 and follow #StepUpStandOut on social media.

About Craig Morgan 
A multi-faceted entertainer, Craig Morgan has made a name for himself as a Country Music icon, TV host, celebrated outdoorsman and patriotic Army veteran. One of Country Music's best-loved artists, the Black River Entertainment artist thrills massive crowds with signature hits including "Bonfire," "Almost Home," "Redneck Yacht Club," "International Harvester," "This Ole Boy," "Wake Up Lovin' You" and the six week #1, "That's What I Love About Sunday." The new single "When I'm Gone" is available for digital download now and will lead a new album due in 2016. Craig received one of Country Music's highest honors when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. In addition to a prolific Country Music career, he hosts the award-winning TV show "Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors," currently in its sixth season on Outdoor Channel. Prior to becoming a Country Music star and TV sensation, Morgan spent seventeen years serving our country in the Army and Army Reserves.  He is an avid supporter of America's military personnel and a recipient of the 2006 USO Merit Award. For more information on Craig Morgan, visit www.craigmorgan.com and engage with him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Kidde
Kidde is a leading manufacturer of residential smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and fire extinguishers, and has been delivering advanced fire-safety technology since it produced the first integrated smoke detection and carbon dioxide extinguishing system nearly 100 years ago. Kidde is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading provider to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. For more information, visit www.kidde.com or follow @KiddeSafety on Twitter.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160607/376492
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130606/NE27992LOGO-b
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160607/376494LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kidde-craig-morgan-and-fire-service-organizations-encourage-the-public-to-vote-for-top-volunteer-firefighters-in-step-up-and-stand-out-video-contest-300281006.html

SOURCE Kidde