 Wilson Jones, (Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president) and Steve St. Thomas (Harley-Davidson Motor Company director of worldwide police and fleet sales) present check to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Also pictured are Tina Hauk, surviving spouse of a fallen firefighter and Brian Vickers, Full Throttle Support award winner and volunteer firefighter. |
APPLETON, Wis. — Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, and Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, announced that $135,000 was raised through their Full Throttle Support campaign and sweepstakes to assist the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). A special ceremony commemorating the conclusion of this three-month campaign was held in Washington, D.C. at the DC Fire and EMS Department, Engine 3.
The NFFF is a nonprofit organization that remembers and honors America’s fallen firefighters by providing their survivors with a place to turn for help rebuilding their lives. Spouses and children of fallen firefighters are eligible, through NFFF, for education, scholarship assistance as well as job training. Furthermore, NFFF-established peer networks offer families and coworkers essential emotional support.
“The response we’ve received from across the country to the Full Throttle Support campaign is beyond our expectations and we are proud to put these funds to work through the vitally important efforts of the NFFF,” said Wilson Jones, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president Fire & Emergency. “We believe in and support the NFFF mission. This campaign is just one way we can honor those firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice to serve their fellow citizens.”
Sweepstakes winner Brian P. Vickers of Katy, Texas, is a 16-year veteran and currently with the Westlake Volunteer Fire Department in Houston, Texas, and a Harley-Davidson enthusiast. Vickers was thrilled to receive the keys to a custom, one-of-a-kind Harley-Davidson® Fat Boy® Firefighter Special Edition motorcycle. Vickers’ entry was one of nearly 12,000 received during the three-month sweepstakes.
“I still can’t believe that I’ve won. It’s an amazing machine and I can’t wait to take it on a ride,” said Vickers. “It’s really great that this sweepstakes helps such a worthy cause which is why I entered in the first place. The work of the NFFF is so important. My wife and I are big believers in higher education, and we’re especially impressed by the scholarships the Foundation provides to surviving family members.”
The Pierce and Harley-Davidson joint Full Throttle Support campaign was supplemented by proceeds from sales of officially licensed Pierce and Harley-Davidson merchandise. Additionally, in April the Oshkosh Corporation Foundation donated a check for $25,000 to the NFFF as part of the Full Throttle Support initiative.
Attending the May 21st ceremony were representatives from Harley-Davidson, Pierce, members of the Red Helmet Ride (a group of motorcycle-enthusiast firefighters and friends), dignitaries from Washington D.C., family members of fallen firefighters and NFFF representatives.
“The primary mission of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is to make a tangible difference in the lives of surviving families of these heroes,” said Ron Siarnicki, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation executive director. “Without the help of organizations like Oshkosh, Pierce and Harley-Davidson, we would not be able to sustain and grow our support programs.”