Fireman’s Fund Launches Program to Aid Firefighting in San Diego County

San Diego County fire departments and fire and burn prevention organizations will receive more than $1 million this year through Fireman’s Fund Heritage(SM), a community-based corporate giving program launched by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company (FFIC) that supports firefighters for safer communities.

FFIC chose San Diego for the program based on the firefighting needs in the area and because of the company’s strong local base of employees, agents and customers.

Fireman’s Fund CEO Jeff Post and local FFIC executives presented the first grants of more than $500,000 to 16 volunteer and paid San Diego County fire departments in a ceremony on April 6. The grants will provide needed equipment, fire prevention tools and necessary training for local fire departments, as well as community fire safety education.

FFIC invited all fire departments in San Diego County to submit proposals for funding through a request for proposal released in mid-February.

“There is a tremendous need in this community for firefighter support,” said Chris Seistrup, regional executive and vice president of FFIC and the San Diego task force leader of Fireman’s Fund Heritage. “Evaluating the 35 proposals that we received validated the importance of a program like this.”

Fireman’s Fund Heritage is also working with the Burn Institute to create an education campaign for San Diego residents.

Firefighters and rescue workers across the country are facing increased demand for their services as a result of population growth and new threats. At the same time, fire departments face serious funding challenges that leave many volunteer and paid fire departments without the resources for adequate equipment or training. In San Diego, the wildfires of 2003 highlighted the increased need for firefighter support as well as for fire and burn prevention and education.

Topics Training Development