Albemarle County, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Albemarle County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal Howard Lagomarsino joined WINA Morning News to discuss the upcoming National Child Passenger Safety Week, stressing the importance of car seat safety. Lagomarsino provided essential guidance for parents on selecting and installing the appropriate car seat for their child’s size.  

“Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death in young children. You want to match your seat based on height, weight… and follow the manufacturer’s recommendation,” he says. 

Lagomarsino also emphasized the role of the fire department in prevention efforts, revealing that trained safety seat technicians are available to help parents properly install car seats. He encouraged parents to reach out for assistance, noting, “Our job is to protect the public… Responding to an emergency is the last resort… but if we can prevent that emergency from happening, it’s even better.” 

The Battalion Chief urged families to prioritize safety, reminding them to always check the back seat for children before leaving the car, especially during hot weather. 

Listen to the full conversation here: