The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, in association with Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, announces a new grant program focused on providing firefighters with life-saving equipment, such as thermal imaging cameras. The program was created to distribute funds raised through "Into the Fire," the highly acclaimed fire service documentary presented by Fireman's Fund. To date, more than $100,000 has been raised through activities associated with "Into the Fire," including DVD sales, screening events and film memorabilia such as shirts and posters.
Submit your application before May 31. We expect to issue additional RFPs as additional funds are raised through "Into the Fire" DVD sales and related activities.
Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the Foundation, explains that the "Into the Fire" grants support the Foundation's commitment to help the U.S. Fire Administration achieve a stated goal of reducing line-of-duty deaths by 50 percent in the next 10 years. "Approximately 100 firefighters die in the line of duty each year," Siarnicki says. "The ‘Into the Fire' grant program will help put critical equipment like thermal imaging cameras in the hands of firefighters across the country – directly improving safety and helping to reduce fatalities."
Through the Fireman's Fund Heritage program, Fireman's Fund has already awarded more than $1 million for the purchase of 100 thermal imaging cameras. We also recently joined with Bullard , a leading thermal imaging camera manufacturer, to help maximize our grant program. Bullard gives Fireman's Fund special pricing for its T3XT, T3Max and T4 thermal imagers purchased through its Fireman's Fund Heritage grants and has extended this arrangement to the "Into the Fire" grant program.
"Into the Fire" Supporting Firefighters
Fireman's Fund made the film for the fire service—to help you achieve your goals. That's why we proudly offer "Into the Fire" to your department for fundraising, community education opportunities and even volunteer recruitment.
Fire departments and other fire service organizations can host "Into the Fire" screenings and/or use the DVD as a way to raise funds for your department, regional program, burn camp, firefighter memorial, or even to support the family of a fallen firefighter. Copies of the DVD are available at a bulk, discounted price for sale or for a requested donation at your events — your department keeps the revenue.
To make the process as easy as possible, Fireman's Fund will provide a complete guide to organizing a screening, using the Incident Command System. This screening playbook offers guidelines and tips to help facilitate a successful screening, as well as a draft incident action plan. Additionally, the playbook contains a CD with templates of items like posters, flyers, email and print invitations, a press release and even opening and closing comments. To get a free copy of the screening playbook, email heritage@ffic.com or call 866.440.8716. We will then work to identify staff or local independent insurance agencies in the area that may be able to support your screening.
