Erie County Legislator Joseph C. Lorigo is honored to announce that he has named Ken Hansen the Erie County Legislature’s Citizen of the Month for November 2013 for his tireless efforts to educate the community about the hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning and to implement regulations that have made every household in New York State safer. Legislator Lorigo recognized Hansen at the Legislature’s Nov. 21 session, marking the honor by presenting Hansen with a county proclamation. Hansen was joined by his wife, Kim.

“Ken and his family have dedicated numerous hours and resources to raise awareness about carbon monoxide poisoning in homes after losing their beautiful daughter Amanda. They have saved countless lives by advocating for the passage of Amanda’s Law, which requires detectors be installed in all residential dwellings across New York State. The family’s mission will never be fully complete as they continuously dedicate themselves to protecting others from the heartbreaking loss they encountered. The Legislature is proud to honor Ken and partner with him to promote the Amanda Hansen Foundation and its efforts,” said Legislator Lorigo.

Hansen thanked the Legislature for the honor, taking the opportunity to remind all those present to be mindful, especially, this time of year, of the dangers and symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.

“As you know, the colder months bring more dangers upon us and the one thing that nobody thinks about is carbon monoxide. So right now, the Amanda Hansen Foundation is in full swing making people aware of the dangers of this silent killer and passing out CO detectors at different events,” Hansen said, adding that the Foundation is continuously focused on making Amanda’s Law a federal regulation and has been advocating to Senator Chuck Schumer's office for assistance.

To learn more about the Amanda Hansen Foundation, including how you can donate through the Yankee Candle fundraiser, please visit www.amandahansenfoundation.org or find the Foundation on Facebook. Recently honored with the Western Region PTA Community Service Award, the Foundation reminds homeowners that the carbon monoxide sensors inside CO alarms can wear out over time, so replace CO alarms every five years in order to benefit from the latest technology and upgrades.

The Foundation has partnered with Financial Trust Federal Credit Union, 4257 Seneca St., West Seneca, to sell detectors for $12 each to help all families guard their homes and loved ones from CO poisoning

“I want to thank Ken for sharing his story and for fighting on behalf of every person in this community. Erie County has many outstanding citizens and Ken and his family are listed right there at the top, selflessly working every day to protect each one of us from a silent killer that changed his entire world,” said Legislator Lorigo. “I know many of us became more aware of CO poisoning and thoroughly checked our own homes after learning about this brave family.”

For additional information, please contact Legislator Lorigo’s Office at 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.