Fireman’s Fund Unveils Program to Improve Atlanta Fire Safety

Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company (FFIC) has launched a new program that will provide fire agencies in Metropolitan Atlanta with $500,000 in funding and donations for firefighting equipment, fire prevention tools, firefighter training and community fire safety education. Fireman’s Fund Heritage, the long-term philanthropic mission of FFIC, supports firefighters for safer communities.

There are three components to the Fireman’s Fund Heritage program in Metro Atlanta:

• A donation of 16 thermal imaging cameras to fully equip the City of Atlanta Fire Department with much needed life-saving technology.
• Grants totaling more than $305,000 awarded to 16 paid and volunteer fire departments from the Metro Atlanta area for needed equipment, public education, fire prevention and firefighter training.
• An alliance with the State of Georgia Fire Marshal’s Office to provide critical public education tools in the Metro Atlanta area. FFIC chose the Metro Atlanta area for the Fireman’s Fund Heritage program based on the firefighting needs in the area and because of the company’s strong local base of employees and agents. The area is the second community in the nation to participate in this national initiative, which ties to the company’s founding social mission from 1863. Fireman’s Fund Heritage was launched in San Diego County, Calif., earlier this year.

Firefighters and rescue workers across the country are reportedly facing increased demand for their services as a result of population growth and new responsibilities, including emergency medical services.

At the same time, fire departments reportedly face serious funding challenges that leave many volunteer and paid fire departments without the resources for adequate equipment or training. In the Metro Atlanta area, many of the departments are facing pressures as a result of an ever-growing population—the region is home to many of the fastest growing cities and counties in the country, according to U.S. Census reports.

To commemorate the launch, FFIC President and CEO Chuck Kavitsky and local executives presented the grant checks and donations to senior fire officials from throughout the region during a ceremony at the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum.

“The more than 4,800 employees of Fireman’s Fund are thrilled to offer support for local fire departments,” Kavitsky said. “Firefighters risk their lives daily to protect others. It is our hope that through Fireman’s Fund Heritage, communities will become safer.”

Donation to Atlanta Fire Department
FFIC is donating 16 Evolution 5000 thermal imaging cameras manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances (MSA). The cameras have a total retail value of $197,000.

The cameras allow firefighters to complete searches for victims in near-zero visibility conditions, in addition to sensing hidden fire that could rekindle.

Recent news reports have stated that thermal imaging cameras can reduce the time firefighters spend searching a building for victims from 15 to as little as two minutes. According to the National Fire Protection Association, only one-fourth of fire departments nationwide own thermal imaging cameras. Prior to the Fireman’s Fund donation, the Atlanta Fire Department had only two thermal imaging cameras to cover the entire city.

“The Atlanta Fire Department is elated to receive such a generous donation from Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company,” Atlanta Fire Department Chief Dennis Rubin said. “Thanks to Fireman’s Fund, every ladder company and rescue squad within the department will have a thermal imaging camera. When fighting fire, we undoubtedly always want to have an imager on location to assist us with providing the best lifesaving services possible to the citizens of Atlanta and to firefighters who are down.”

Alliance with the Georgia Fire Marshal
FFIC also announced an alliance with the State of Georgia Fire Marshal for Atlanta-area fire and burn prevention activities. As part of the alliance, FFIC will donate a mobile fire safety house and towing vehicle to supplement existing activities focused on educating the public about fire and burn prevention. The fire safety house is a “classroom on wheels” that fire educators use to teach children fire safety through role-playing exercises.

“I would like to thank Fireman’s Fund for their generous gift to my office and to the State of Georgia,” Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine said. “The donation of a mobile fire safety house and towing vehicle will allow us to continue educating thousands of school children and teachers each year on the importance of fire safety. Programs like the Fire Safety House go a long way in saving the lives of Georgians each year. Fireman’s Fund’s commitment to being a good corporate citizen is an inspiration to us all.”

Topics Georgia Training Development