TMCnet News
Fire Department Devastated by Tornado to be Honored in Las VegasLAS VEGAS --(Business Wire)-- In the aftermath of the EF5 tornado that tore through Oklahoma, firefighters of the Moore Fire Department have had their work cut out for them. Residents were devastated after the storm destroyed 1,000 homes, two schools and numerous businesses - including the Moore Hospital, as well as severely damaging over 1,000 additional homes and buildings. Moore Fire Chief Gary Bird was in Las Vegas on Monday to accept a special $10,869 grant from Apollo General Insurance and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company to purchase critical gear to support the town's rebuilding efforts. The grant was awarded at the National Demolition Convention taking place during this time. The grant will fund personal protective equipment -- the most important equipment a firefighter has when responding to an emergency. This gear includes the fire-resistant clothing firefighters wear when responding to incidents like fires or major vehicle crashes, protecting them from exposure to chemicals, heat and flames. Specifically, this donation will fund the purchase of new sets of coats, pants, helmets, gloves, hoods and boots. "We are honored as a company to play a role in helping strengthen the capabilities of the Moore Fire Department," said Andrew Torrance, CEO of Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. "Fireman's Fund has a long, enduring association with the values of the fire service that goes back more than 150 years. We are proud to have this opportunity to help the firefighters in Oklahoma who continually put their lives on the line to save others." "Firefighters depend on this gear for protection in hot or toxic environments such as fires," said Fire Chief Gary Bird. "This grant enables us to provide a high level of service to our community and satisfy our most basic mission: saving lives. We truly appreciate this grant which came at a time of great need for our Fire Department." Chief Bird spoke at a special grant presentation event during the National Demolition Convention. Representatives from Apollo General and Fireman's Fund formally presented the grant: Date / Time 8:15 a.m.
Location Funded by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, this grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Founded in 1863 with a social mission to support the fire service, Fireman's Fund today awards grants to fire service organizations for life-saving equipment, firefighter training and community education programs. Since 2004, Fireman's Fund has awarded grants to more than 2,100 different organizations totaling more than $31 million -- including more than $150,000 in Oklahoma. Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman's Fund products, like Apollo General, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service. Through this program, Apollo General Insurance Agency has directed over $125,000 in grants to fire departments nationwide. "We can't think of a better way to support the firefighters in Moore," said Bob Elster, president of Apollo General. "Purchasing the equipment they need to support the community's rebuilding efforts can be incredibly expensive, and we hope this grant will make a difference in helping them get back on their feet." To learn more about the grant program and other grants awarded in Oklahoma, visit firemansfund.com/heritage. To learn more about the rich history of Fireman's Fund, visit firemansfundtimeline.com. About Apollo General Apollo General was formed in 1965 as an independent agency with a goal to write similar accounts that could one day benefit from the expanded coverage and stable premiums afforded to members of a national insurance program. Apollo stayed the course and today they offer several industry-specific package programs designed for demolition, recycling, crane & rigging contractors as well as messenger & couriers, custom crush wineries and business owners. For additional information, visit www.apgen.com. About Fireman's Fund Insurance Company As a premier property and casualty insurance company, Fireman's Fund has protected the future for its customers for more than 150 years. With innovative products backed by superior claims and risk management solutions, Fireman's Fund is a leader in high net worth, entertainment, and commercial insurance. This year, the company celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Heritage Program®. With a commitment to supporting firefighters for safer communities, Fireman's Fund has donated more than $31 million in grants to local fire departments across the United States. Fireman's Fund is a member of the Allianz Group - one of the world's largest insurance providers - and has a strong financial foundation. For additional information, visit firemansfund.com.
|
