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First ‘Into the Fire’ Grant Winners Announced
In April, we first told you about the new "Into the Fire" grant fund, created by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in partnership with Fireman's Fund. Now we're bringing you an update on these grants: Recently, our two organizations announced that 11 fire departments across the country received the first round of grants generated from "Into the Fire" fundraising efforts.
The recipients were chosen from 1,249 proposals — all showing the compelling needs of their fire department. Eight of the initial 11 grant winners are receiving thermal imaging cameras.
"I want to thank Fireman's Fund for its ongoing support of the fire service in general — and also for supporting our efforts to reduce line-of-duty firefighter deaths," says Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, a nonprofit organization created by the US Congress to lead a nationwide effort to remember America's fallen firefighters.
"These equipment grants will certainly help improve to improve the safety and working conditions for firefighters."
Second Round Grants Planned
Sales of "Into the Fire" DVDs and t-shirts, as well as funds collected from community screenings, continue to generate revenue for the program. Therefore, a second round of grant recipients will be announced in upcoming months, says Danielle Cagan, Heritage Program Director.
"The second round of winners will be selected from the existing pool of proposals," adds Cagan. "We are making it as easy as possible: There is no need to reapply."
In addition, there are other opportunities for those who submitted proposals. For example, after seeing "Into the Fire," businessman Frank Buonanotte was moved to create "500 for Life", an organization which raises funds to purchase thermal imaging cameras for fire departments without available funding. 500 for Life will select applicants to our original program, so you do not need to fill out additional paperwork. You will be contacted by 500 for Life if your proposal is selected.
"Desperate Need"
Those receiving thermal imaging cameras under the initial round of grants include the Fire Service of Saluda County, South Carolina. Saluda is a rural county of 20,000 residents, with just one municipal and six volunteer fire departments serving the entire area.
According to Bryan Campbell, grant coordinator for Saluda County, the new equipment will make a substantial difference in his community. "We are a small rural county that has been suffering a decline in tax base since losing three textile plants," says Campbell.
"Consequently, county resources are scarce for life-saving equipment purchases. Yet, we have a great deal of need, as our county is heavily forested and wildfires are a danger. In addition, because our population is so spread out, fires in remote areas can become well-advanced here before responders arrive on the scene. All of this translates to a desperate need for advanced equipment to help our responders save lives."
Before winning the grant, Campbell notes, the county had only one thermal imaging camera, which is maintained by the Sheriff's Department. This camera has been shared among all the emergency response organizations in the county. Adding just one more camera will literally double the equipment's availability for the county's responders.
"Saluda County's situation illustrates the great need for thermal imagers at local fire departments all over the country," says Siarnicki. "We believe these grants will make the recipient communities safer places in which to live, and in which to fight fires also."
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First-Round Grant Winners |
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Fire Department |
City, State |
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Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District |
Lincoln, Ill. |
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City of Henderson Fire Department |
Henderson, N.C. |
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Cresson Volunteer Fire Company |
Cresson, Pa. |
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Rolling Oaks Volunteer Fire Department |
Wills Point, Texas |
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Crystal Fire Company No. 1 |
German, Pa. |
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Houston Rural Fire Association |
Houston, Mo. |
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Cutler Volunteer Fire Company |
Camp Douglas, Wis. |
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Oolitic Volunteer Fire Department |
Oolitic, Ind. |
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Clay Fire & Rescue Department |
Clay, Ky. |
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Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department |
Palmer Lake, Colo. |
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Saluda County Fire Service |
Saluda, S.C.
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"Into the Fire" Supports Firefighters |
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Fireman's Fund made "Into the Fire" for the fire service. 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 easier, 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 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.
Click here to learn more.
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