Department Honored with Grant After Premiere of Documentary about the City
NEW YORK, NY – Fire departments across the country regularly struggle with limited budgets and ongoing needs for equipment, but few face the severity of the crisis the Detroit Fire Department works with every day. That’s why Momentous Insurance Brokerage is partnering with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company to donate $25,000 to the Detroit Fire Department. The grant will fund basic firefighting equipment for their 1,450 members including axes and pry bars.
The grant was presented at a powerful ceremony at the Tribeca Film Festival, following the world premiere of BURN: ONE YEAR ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE BATTLE TO SAVE DETROIT a documentary directed by Tom Putnam and Brenna Sanchez about the battle to save the city of Detroit as seen through the eyes of its firefighters.
Actor Denis Leary is an executive producer of the film and was instrumental in making Momentous aware of the need.
“A portion of the proceeds from the film go to The Leary Firefighters Foundation, so it’s particularly timely that with this grant the Detroit Fire Department will be able to purchase desperately needed equipment,” said Denis Leary, president of The Leary Firefighters Foundation. “The situation in Detroit is one faced by fire departments nationally, and we appreciate the support of Fireman’s Fund and Momentous and their efforts to help keep our firefighters and our communities safe.”
Detroit’s Executive Fire Commissioner Donald Austin says, “This grant package supplements our current budget and allows us to provide our rescuers with some of the most basic tools they need to do their jobs. We deeply appreciate this generous contribution.”
“The tools provided by this grant will be used by firefighters for years to come,” said Diane Brinson, CEO and founder of Momentous Insurance Brokerage. “We’re proud to help in such a meaningful way, knowing how great the need is for basic equipment in the Detroit Fire Department.”
The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire departments and burn prevention organizations. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to more than 1,800 different organizations totaling more than $29 million. Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like Momentous, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.
Through this program, Momentous has directed over $120,000 in grants to fire departments nationwide.
To learn more about the Fireman’s Fund grant program and other grants awarded across the country, visit www.facebook.com/SupportingFirefighters.
About The Leary Firefighters Foundation
The mission of The Leary Firefighters Foundation is to provide funding and resources for Fire Departments to obtain the best available equipment, training and technology. The Foundation was established in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts that claimed the lives of Denis’ cousin, a childhood friend, and four other firefighters. The Leary Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization as designated by the Internal Revenue Service. For additional information, please visit www.learyfirefighters.org.
About Momentous Insurance Brokerage, Inc.
Momentous Insurance Brokerage, Inc. is a Top 100 insurance brokerage in the U.S., dedicated to providing the highest caliber of insurance and risk management consultation. It designs a variety of insurance programs, including protection for high net worth individuals, film and TV productions, music and touring companies and artists, large and small business, as well as life, health and disability for individuals and groups. For more information, visit www.momentousins.com, follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/momentousins, or read their blog at www.momentousins.com/blog.
About Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company
Founded in 1863, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal and commercial insurance products backed by industry-leading claims and risk management solutions. Fireman’s Fund is a leader in high-net-worth, entertainment, and green insurance. Fireman’s Fund is a member of the Allianz Group, one of the world’s largest providers of property and casualty insurance, ranked 27th on Fortune’s Global 500 list of the world’s largest corporations. For additional information, visit www.firemansfund.com.
About BURN: ONE YEAR ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE BATTLE TO SAVE DETROIT
From executive producer Denis Leary, BURN drives straight into the heart-pounding fire and introduces the characters and controversies that make up the most overworked and under equipped firehouse in the country. Capturing a year in the life of Detroit firefighters at one of the busiest firehouses in the United States, filmmakers Tom Putnam and Brenna Sanchez’ feature length documentary film BURN follows the crew of Engine Company 50. Located on Detroit’s blighted east side, E50 stands at ground zero of the city’s problems. Every day, these firefighters face injury, disablement, and death. BURN tells the story of these exceptional individuals who, despite the challenges and dysfunction, believe in their city and are attempting to make a difference every day. For more info, visit www.detroitfirefilm.org.