Gilbert family gets grant for free pool fence

A Gilbert family with six children recently received a free fence for their backyard pool, thanks to Child Crisis Arizona.

Thomas and Melissa McKenna are one of 11 Valley families given free fences this year.

"Drowning remains the leading cause of death of children 1 to 4 years old and remains among the top five causes of death for children ages 5 to 9 years old," said Caitlin Sageng, senior program director at Child Crisis Arizona. "In response to this urgent need, three years ago, we partnered with SRP and the United Phoenix Firefighters Charities, now known as the 493 Firefighter Foundation, to pioneer the Pool Fence Safety Program.

“Our mission: To equip families like the McKennas with the vital protection they deserve, free of charge."

Thomas McKenna is a sergeant first class, who has served in the Army for nearly two decades and is currently serving in the Army National Guard.

The couple’s children include two under 5 years old.

In the span of two weeks, the fences for the 11 families were installed.

These households include families where the grandparents serve as primary caregivers, single-parent households, and households where children are in the adoption process.