Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and Holmatro, a leading manufacturer of extrication and rescue gear, announced a new, nationwide agreement to support local fire departments.
As part of the arrangement, Holmatro will provide special pricing to Fireman’s Fund for vehicle extrication gear awarded through its Fireman’s Fund Heritage Program®. This is the insurance company’s national philanthropic initiative to provide equipment, training, and community education programs to local fire departments.
Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has awarded more than $23 million in grants to over 1,400 different departments. Of that, nearly $1 million has gone toward the purchase of scores of extrication sets and related gear.
Danielle Cagan, senior director of the Heritage Program® at Fireman’s Fund, said the agreement with Holmatro will help maximize their grant program.
“We are proud to partner with Holmatro which is known for its high quality products and service, as well as its innovation,” said Cagan. “This partnership allows Fireman’s Fund to fully leverage our grant dollars – enabling more firefighters to benefit from our grant program. More gear in the hands of more firefighters means our communities will be safer.”
According to a comprehensive national survey of firefighters this year sponsored by Fireman’s Fund, one in four fire departments does not have adequate extrication equipment needed to safely and quickly remove injured people from a vehicle crash.
“The current economic crisis is forcing local fire departments to operate with tighter and tighter budgets,” said Giff Swayne, president of Holmatro. “This agreement with Fireman’s Fund helps bridge that gap by providing extrication gear to more departments, especially to the ones that can’t afford it.”
A variety of Holmatro tools are included in the arrangement, including gasoline powered pumps, hoses, spreaders, cutters, and telescopic rams.
Fire departments interested in learning more about the grant program at Fireman’s Fund can visit www.firemansfund.com/heritage.
