Business Wire
NOVATO, Calif. — Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company today announced that its corporate philanthropy program, Fireman’s Fund Heritage®, awarded more than $6.3 million in grants to the fire service in 2007.
In all, more than 400 fire departments and fire service organizations received individual grants totaling $6,377,243. The money was used to help provide funding for needed equipment, training, and community education programs. Thousands of pieces of new equipment and gear were purchased with Fireman’s Fund grants, including but not limited to, thermal imaging cameras, turnout gear, extrication equipment, portable radios, ventilation saws, nozzles, self-contained breathing apparatus sets, and medical defibrillators.
Fireman’s Fund employees and its network of independent agents work together to identify needs at local fire departments. Grants are issued, in part, to fill the voids left by growing budget cuts. Donations average $20,000, but can range from $5,000 to more than $100,000.
Since the program was created in 2004, Fireman’s Fund Heritage has awarded $16,460,458 in grants.
“This is a program that has a true impact, saves lives, and ultimately makes local communities safer,” said Danielle Cagan, Heritage program director at Fireman’s Fund. “Not only are we out there awarding grants and providing needed funding, but we’re working to establish partnerships to strengthen the program and have a bigger impact in the fire service community.”
In 2007, Fireman’s Fund created a successful partnership with Bullard, the leading manufacturer of thermal imaging cameras. As part of the arrangement, Bullard provides special pricing to Fireman’s Fund for its Heritage grants to help maximize the program and the grant dollars being awarded. For every four thermal imagers Fireman’s Fund was able to provide fire departments in the past, it can now provide five.
Fireman’s Fund’s commitment to the fire service stems back to 1863, when the company was founded with a mission to donate a percentage of its profits to the fire service. This commitment was renewed in 2004 with the launch of the Fireman’s Fund Heritage program.
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