Sierra Vista fire department expands car seat safety program with $25,000 grant funding

Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services is expanding its child passenger safety program with new funding to help families properly install car seats and reduce injuries in vehicle accidents.

Captain Michael Quarto said about 80% of car seats are installed incorrectly, which prompted the department to enhance its safety initiative using a $25,000 grant from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

"Every time I've been on a traffic accident with a child properly installed in the car seat, they've been unhappy, but not injured," Quarto said.

The department currently provides 10 car seats per month to families in need, but expects that number to increase with the new funding. The program serves anyone who needs assistance, regardless of location.

"We do want to impact our community, but if s