Snowmass Wildcat Fire Protection District Receives $22700 Donation From Fireman's Fund Insurance

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April 27, 2009

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colorado

Like most fire departments across the state, Snowmass operates on a limited budget and faces ongoing needs for new equipment and updated gear. Neil-Garing Insurance is teaming up with Fireman's Fund Insurance Company to award the Snowmass Wildcat Fire Protection District a $22,710 grant to purchase a variety of tools and protective clothing.

Fire Chief Steven Sowles said his district will purchase 16 new sets of protective wildland gear with the money. Each firefighter will receive a new helmet, wildland pack, and pants and jacket.

"Currently, none of our firefighters have wildland-specific protective gear," said Chief Sowles. "When summer rolls around, it's important they have the proper clothing to protect themselves during wildfires and this new clothing will do that."

The district will also purchase a portable water pump to suction water from ponds, lakes, and other waters sources in areas where hydrants are scarce. In addition, a high-tech computer and presentation unit has been acquired for community presentations and firefighter training.

"In these challenging economic times, it's difficult for fire departments to find extra money in the budget to purchase new gear," said John Neil with Neil-Garing Insurance. "We're proud to help Snowmass in such an important way and hope this new equipment will be used for many years to come."

Chief Sowles, Snowmass firefighters, and executives from Neil-Garing Insurance and Fireman's Fund will come together for a special public event where the grant package will be presented on April 28, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the Snowmass Wildcat Fire Protection District.

The grant package 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. Since 2004, Fireman's Fund has issued grants to over 1,100 different departments totaling more than $21 million. Independent insurance agencies that sell Fireman's Fund products are able to direct these grants to support fire stations in their communities. Neil-Garing Insurance was instrumental in directing this specific gift to Snowmass.

About Neil-Garing Insurance

Neil-Garing Insurance is an independent agency offering personal insurance, commercial property and casualty and employee group benefits. It is headquartered at Two Rivers Park Plaza in Glenwood Springs and has 40 employees with over 5,200 clients, providing service to Aspen, Snowmass, the Roaring Fork Valley, and the I-70 corridor. For more information, visit www.neil-garing.com.

About Fireman's Fund Insurance Company

Fireman's Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal and commercial insurance products nationwide. It is rated 'AA-' by Standard & Poor's Rating Services. Founded in 1863 with a mission to support firefighters, Fireman's Fund continues this effort today through its national philanthropic work. Fireman's Fund is a member of the Allianz Group (NYSE: AZ), one of the world's largest providers of insurance and other financial services. For more information, visit www.firemansfund.com.