A Letter from the Northeast CO Alliance

While I am saddened by the passing of Mike, I am also honored to have had the opportunity to collaborate with him on CO prevention. His passion was infectious and very motivating to everyone he encountered. He will be missed! My condolences to his family and extended family of the fire service. Below is a summary of historical details regarding his involvement in collaborative initiatives between our two states, which have now expanded throughout New England.

Micheal was instrumental in finding speakers, preparing presentations, and coordinating the delivery of this life saving information each year at the Summit.

The partnership known as the Northeast Carbon Monoxide Alliance, previously called the Vermont/New Hampshire CO Alliance, began after a carbon monoxide incident occurred at Dr. Norman Miller’s residence, injuring Dr. Miller and his wife, in Norwich Vermont. The initial meeting in 2015 was convened, at Dr Millers home which involved VT State Fire Marshal representative Micheal Greenia along with a representative of the NH State Fire Marshal’ Office and the Dartmouth Hitchcock Injury Prevention Center. This CO Alliance, that Micheal was instrumental in creating, was formed to educate public, emergency responders and Heating/AC Technicians about the hazard of CO and prevention opportunities. Thanks to Michael’s energy and dedication to the mission, the Alliance has successfully accomplished the annual educational summit for the past 11 years, providing vital information to these groups to take back to their respective states.

In addition to the summit, with Micheal's leadership the Alliance conducted several initiatives such as a co data study with Colby Sawyer College Nursing Students, various CO messaging such as on senior meals placemats and CO Alarm distribution across the State of Vermont.

Micheal Greenia’s energy and passion for educating people on the risk of Carbon Monoxide and prevention methods has been instrumental to the success of the New England Carbon Monoxide Alliance saving lives and preventing injuries from carbon monoxide.

May Micheal Rest in Peace.

Sincerely,

Bill

J. William Degnan

NH State Fire Marshal, Retired

Micheal working in the background during the 10th annual CO Safety Summit, November 14, 2025.