PENFIELD, N.Y. -- On Jan. 20, 2014, tragedy struck in Penfield, but out of that came a new New York state law that may one day save lives.
Eight-year-old Tyler Doohan was one of three people stuck inside a burning mobile home. He initially got out safely, helping six other family members escape, but went back inside to help others and never made it out.
Chris Ebmeyer was the Penfield Fire Chief at the time of the fatal fire.
"It kind of took us by surprise because we don't see that degree of heroism often," Ebmeyer said.
Tyler's heroic actions prompted Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle to create a bill in the 4th grader's honor. It was signed Monday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Beginning in 2017, the typical battery operated smoke detectors we see on store shelves will be prohibited. Under the new law, smoke alarms sold in New York must have non-replaceable, non-removable batteries. The batteries must also power the device for a minimum of a decade.
We reached out to Tyler's family. His uncle, Joe Breyette, said he hopes the smoke detectors are easily accessible for the elderly and needy. That way families won't feel a loss like his has.
The Firemen's Association of the State of New York applauded Cuomo's approval. Committee member David Sweet said FASNY pushed to get the bill passed, calling it "no-brainer" legislation.
"The devices are available, let's use them," Sweet said.
He added the initial cost may be more, but it will eventually balance out.
"By the time you replace the batteries, every year like you should, you have more than offset the initial cost," Sweet said.
Then again, there's no price you can put on safety.
"It's one way to immortalize Tyler Doohan's name," Ebmeyer said. "If there had been a working smoke detector, the situation might have turned out a lot differently than it did."