Fire Department Devastated by Tornado to be Honored in Las Vegas

In the aftermath of the EF5 tornado that tore through Oklahoma, firefighters of the Moore Fire Department have had their work cut out for them. Residents were devastated after the storm destroyed 1,000 homes, two schools and numerous businesses - including the Moore Hospital, as well as severely damaging over 1,000 additional homes and buildings.

Moore Fire Chief Gary Bird will be in Las Vegas on Monday to accept a special $10,869 grant from Apollo General Insurance and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company to purchase critical gear to support the town’s rebuilding efforts.  The grant is being awarded at the National Demolition Convention taking place during this time.

"We are honored as a company to play a role in helping strengthen the capabilities of the Moore Fire Department," said Andrew Torrance, CEO of Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. "Fireman's Fund has a long, enduring association with the values of the fire service that goes back more than 150 years. We are proud to have this opportunity to help the firefighters in Oklahoma who continually put their lives on the line to save others."

The grant will fund personal protective equipment -- the most important equipment a firefighter has when responding to an emergency. This gear includes the fire-resistant clothing firefighters wear when responding to incidents like fires or major vehicle crashes, protecting them from exposure to chemicals, heat and flames.

 “Firefighters depend on this gear for protection in hot or toxic environments such as fires,” said Fire Chief Gary Bird. “This grant enables us to provide a high level of service to our community and satisfy our most basic mission: saving lives.  We truly appreciate this grant which came at a time of great need for our Fire Department.”

Funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, this grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Founded in 1863 with a social mission to support the fire service, Fireman’s Fund today awards grants to fire service organizations for life-saving equipment, firefighter training and community education programs.  Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has awarded grants to more than 2,100 different organizations totaling more than $31 million -- including more than $150,000 in Oklahoma.  Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like Apollo General, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.

 “We can’t think of a better way to support the firefighters in Moore,” said Bob Elster, president of Apollo General.  “Purchasing the equipment they need to support the community’s rebuilding efforts can be incredibly expensive, and we hope this grant will make a difference in helping them get back on their feet.”