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Creatively Spreading
The Message In New Jersey
 Sometimes it takes persistence and creativity to spread the important message of "Into the Fire" to as many people as possible. Greg Collier, New Jersey Advocate of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's "Everyone Goes Home" Firefighter Life Safety Initiative Program, has even gone to the beach to get the word out about the pressing needs of under-funded local fire departments.
In September, Greg arranged for a showing of "Into the Fire" in conjunction with the New Jersey State Fireman's Association annual convention at Wildwood, New Jersey. The film was shown on a giant inflatable screen by a beach-side movie concessionaire who donated the services to support the worthy cause. The showing was co-sponsored by Fireman's Fund agency Glenn Insurance, in conjunction with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Five Mile Beach Volunteer Firemen's Association and Fireman's Fund.
Damp, Windy, Enthusiastic
According to Collier, more than 100 firefighters and friends attended the outdoors screening on a damp and windy Saturday evening. "That was really good, considering the weather conditions, and the fact that it had rained the night before," Collier says. "The firefighters' reaction to the film was one of enthusiasm that our story is being told to the public. They were also impressed that the film represented the diversity of the firefighting organizations we have across the U.S. — whether all-professional, all-volunteer, or a combination of both. They were excited to see the world they live in depicted so directly."
Added Collier, "The purpose of the showing wasn't to raise funds, but to educate and inspire the firefighters about arranging 'Into the Fire' showings in their own communities."
The Fireman's Fund community relations manager for the Northeast, Danny Perry, said that he is receiving an increasing number of calls from fire departments asking about "Into the Fire" showings, but he has no way of knowing how many were inspired by the Wildwood beach-side event. "It was a wonderful idea, and I'm sure it contributed much to getting the message out. You can never have too many communications channels to communicate the many challenges faced by fire departments."
Airing on Your Local TV Station
Greg Collier is also working with his local access TV cable station to arrange an airing of the film to his community in the first quarter of 2008. Fireman's Fund recently acquired the rights to show the film on local access cable TV stations.
If your local cable station is interested in showing "Into the Fire," have them contact Danielle Cagan, Fireman's Fund Heritage® director, at 415-899-2802.
"Local stations can air the film without paying any royalties or fees," said Cagan, "although they must sign a short contract specifying how the film can be shown."
A Showing in the ‘Boss’s’ Hometown
Another project on the horizon is a screening that Collier and Danny Perry and the local fire chief are planning for the small New Jersey suburb of Rumson (population 7,137, according to the 2000 Federal Census.) Rumson is notable as the residence of many entertainment and sports celebrities, including Rock 'n Roll Legend Bruce 'The Boss' Springsteen — who wrote and performed the song that inspired the documentary's title.
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