Deputy Chief Charlie Myers, Mike Danisewicz -Fireman's Fund Loss Control, Steve Kuhmmuench - Robertson Ryan, Mike Schulte - Robertson Ryan, Fire Chief Dave Berousek, John Grandelis - Fireman's Fund Marketing Manager, Stan Wiliszewski - Fireman's Fund Underwriting
North Shore Fire Department awarded grant for new FIREFIGHTER protective gear Department Nominated for Grant by Local Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company Employees
BROWN DEER, Wis., March16, 2006
Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company today announced it is awarding the North Shore Fire Department a grant in the amount of $24,100 for 20 sets of new turnout gear. Turnout gear is the fire-resistant, protective clothing that firefighters and rescue workers wear when responding to a fire. Firefighters must wear this gear in order to mitigate the risk of injury or exposure to the hazards encountered while fighting a fire.
Prior to receiving this grant, North Shore’s firefighters relied on worn-out turnout gear that is between 10- and 15-years old and is no longer compliant with National Fire Protection Association standards. According to the department, this deteriorated equipment leaves firefighters vulnerable to burn injuries. 
”We are so proud to receive this grant from Fireman’s Fund for new protective turnout gear,” said North Shore Fire Chief David Berousek. “It’s good for the community and great for firefighters. This grant not only demonstrates Fireman’s Fund’s dedication to firefighters, but also its dedication to the community at-large. The public deserves the very best and they get that when firefighters feel safe enough to do their jobs.”
The North Shore Fire Department was nominated for this grant by local Fireman’s Fund® employee Stanley Wiliszewski, a specialty underwriter based in the company’s Milwaukee office. This grant is one of 14 employee-nominated grants the company is awarding in the first quarter of 2006.
“The Fireman’s Fund Heritage program provides employees like me an opportunity to make a difference, and this grant will go a long way toward keeping our community safe,” said Wiliszewski.
Fireman’s Fund employees and independent agents can direct grants to, and volunteer at, local fire departments, national firefighter organizations and fire and burn prevention non-profit organizations through the Fireman’s Fund HeritageSM program. Through this philanthropic program, Fireman’s Fund awards millions of dollars in grants to fire departments each year for the purchase of needed equipment, firefighter training and community education programs.
Locally, the company’s employees participate in the Fireman’s Fund Heritage “Bucket Brigade” program. Employees can direct grants to and are encouraged to volunteer with fire departments and non-profit organizations in the communities where they live and work. This program was named after the community-based approach to firefighting in the days before fire hydrants, when citizens banded together to form a “bucket brigade” – a line of people passing buckets of water to fight fires. In 2005, Fireman’s Fund employees nationwide nominated 90 fire departments for grants, of which 47 received funding totaling more than $900,000, and volunteered more than 1,000 hours.
“The Fireman’s Fund Heritage program has been tremendously successful in encouraging community involvement and volunteerism with fire service organizations,” said Danielle Cagan, community relations director, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. “Our employees are delighted to be able to give back and support the fire service – while helping make their communities safer.”
About Fireman’s Fund Heritage
Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company was founded in 1863 with the mission to allocate a portion of its profits to support firefighters. Today, the company is carrying forward this mission to support firefighters for safer communities through the Fireman’s Fund Heritage program. The modern-day corporate philanthropy program was created in response to the funding challenges that have left many volunteer and career fire departments without adequate resources. Fire service organizations wishing to get involved in the Fireman’s Fund Heritage program can fill out an online survey at www.firemansfund.com/heritage. Survey responses are shared with Fireman’s Fund employees and agents who may be interested in nominating a department for a grant or volunteering.
About Fireman’s Fund
Fireman’s Fund is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal, commercial and specialty insurance products nationwide. Fireman’s Fund is a member of the Allianz Group (NYSE: AZ), one of the world’s largest providers of insurance and other financial services. For more information, visit our website at www.firemansfund.com.
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