Fireman's Fund Heritage Provides Grants to Fire Departments in Need of Equipment

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Over the past 140 years Fireman's Fund Insurance Company has made charitable donations to fire departments and fire service families across the United States, and in 2004, they established the Fireman's Fund Heritage Program. Since then, through this program they have given over $21 million dollars to over 1,100 fire departments, fire safety and burn prevention organizations to assist with their equipment, training and community education needs.

The Fireman's Fund grants start at $5,000 and can be allocated in two ways. First, independent agents can direct grants to fire departments or fire service organizations in the communities where they do business. Second, Fireman's Fund employees can nominate fire departments in their communities for grants and assistance as part of their company's Bucket Brigade Program.

With the assistance of independent agent Willis HRH, Fireman's Fund recently gave the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department a $10,285 grant to buy 16 much needed high tech gas monitors, test kits and dry cases. According to Chief Tracy Jarman, this equipment can detect lethal gases such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide, and can alert fire fighters of oxygen deficiencies. This equipment replaces a 15 year old set, which has become outdated and in need of frequent repairs and recalibration. Because the department did not have the funds to replace them, they put off the purchase for several years. Assistant Chief Jeff Carle says of the new gas detectors, "This is pretty new…This is pretty state-of-the-art at this point in terms of size, ease of operation, reliability and things of that nature." The gas detectors will help to protect citizens and firefighters arriving at the scenes of fires and hazmat situations.

Through the Fireman's Fund Heritage Program, other fire departments across the United States have recently received grants for equipment as well. In March of 2009, the Buffalo Fire Department received a grant for $28,700 for a firefighter accountability program through the partnership of agents at Lawley Insurance, M&T Insurance, Walsh Insurance Group and First Niagara Risk Management. The Ft. Washington Fire Company of Pennsylvania recently received $7,500 to purchase new extrication tools, directed by agents at the Insurance Innovators, Inc. of Glenside, Pennsylvania. Three of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department's neighboring fire departments also received Fireman's Fund grant money in the March of 2009 through the help of Alliant Insurance Services. The Escondido Fire Department received $20,000 for seventeen new pieces of equipment, including a new power unit for their Jaws of Life, a generator, nine new SCBA's, and several other much needed items. The Poway Fire Department also received a $20,000 grant, which they used to purchase 48 sets of wildland protective clothing. The San Pasqual Fire Department used their $9,000 grant to buy five new sets of turnout gear.

Echoing the sentiments of other fire chiefs across the United States who have been helped by Fireman's Fund Insurance, their agents, and their employees, San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Tracy Jarman says, "Without the grants, some of these equipment needs would be put off for awhile, so it's a good day."

While Fireman's Fund Insurance Company cannot donate to every fire department in need, they work hard to connect their agents and employees to fire departments and fire service organizations that need their help. The agents and employees work with these departments and groups to apply for the grants and assistance. Fireman's Fund also collects stories of fire departments in need to help raise awareness about dwindling fire service resources. To learn more about the Fireman's Fund Insurance Heritage and how to apply for a grant, click here.