Oswald Companies & Fireman’s Fund present a grant for $6500 to the East Cleveland Fire Department
East Cleveland Fire Department Receives Critical New Protective Clothing
Four Sets of New Turnout Gear Included in $6,560 Grant
EAST CLEVELAND, OH (Oct. 10, 2011) – It is the most important equipment a firefighter needs when responding to a fire and now East Cleveland firefighters will receive the newest, most effective gear.
Turnout gear is the protective, fire-resistant clothing firefighters wear when responding to incidents like fires or major vehicle crashes. The clothing protects them from exposure to chemicals, heat and flames. This new gear, which meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, will ensure four firefighters will be properly protected.
Oswald Companies is partnering with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company to donate $6,560 to East Cleveland Fire Department to replace five sets of turnouts. The new coat and pants sets replace gear that was handed down, had exceeded its useful life and was no longer safe to wear.
“Turnout gear is crucial for protecting our firefighters in order to rescue trapped victims and suppress fires in toxic environments,” said Fire Chief Douglas Zook. “This grant enables us to satisfy our most basic mission: saving lives.”
Chief Zook, Mayor Gary Norton, firefighters, and executives from Oswald Companies and Fireman’s Fund will come together for a special public event where the grant will be presented:
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 East Cleveland Fire Department
10:30 a.m. 1822 Marloes Ave.
East Cleveland, OH
The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire department and burn prevention organizations. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to nearly 1,800 different organizations totaling more than $28 million. Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like Oswald Companies, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.
“We are proud to help in such a meaningful way, knowing these firefighters will benefit from such an important donation,” said Kimberly Lucarelli of Oswald Companies. “Having updated protective gear isn’t a luxury – it’s critical to the well-being of all firefighters and the community they serve.”
To visit Fireman’s Fund’s “Supporting Firefighters” Facebook page, go to http://www.facebook.com/SupportingFirefighters.
About Oswald Companies
Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio where it was founded in 1893, Oswald Companies is among the nation’s largest independent, employee owned insurance brokerage firms. Oswald enjoys strong relationships with highly respected clients throughout the country. As a proud member of Assurex Global, the world’s largest association of privately held insurance brokers, their risk management professionals partner with more than 20,000 insurance professionals from nearly 500 partner office locations in over 80 countries on six continents. For additional information, visit www.oswaldcompanies.com.
About Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company
Founded in 1863, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is a premier property and casualty insurance company providing personal and commercial insurance products backed by industry-leading claims and risk management solutions. Fireman’s Fund is a leader in high-net-worth, entertainment, and green insurance. Fireman’s Fund is a member of the Allianz Group, one of the world’s largest providers of property and casualty insurance, ranked 27th on Fortune’s Global 500 list of the world’s largest corporations. For additional information, visit www.firemansfund.com.
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Media Contact: Rachel Clark, 415.899.3027, rachel.clark@ffic.com