No More Locked Fire Hydrants In Lavon

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LAVON (CBSDFW.COM) - The small town of Lavon in Collin County no longer has locked fire hydrants.

"I just had to drive up and down the street and I just felt so relieved that finally my home is safe," said resident Deborah Fato, who spent more than a year fighting for removal of the locks.

The "Lavon Special Utility District" removed a dozen padlocks. In 2014 the company said the locks prevented water thefts. But Lavon's Mayor, fire chief and residents claimed it was unnecessary – even dangerous since it could delay help during a fire.

The removal of the locks is not only a victory for many Lavon residents, for Fato, it's a personal victory. She started a business dedicated to lock removal; creating magnets and stickers for the cause. Fato was very vocal about the issue and attended almost every board meeting where it was discussed.

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