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Thanks to the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Arizona (IIABAZ) and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company the town of San Manuel is safer.
The two insurance agencies awarded a $5,000 grant to the San Manuel Fire Department for the purchase of new fire hoses and attack held lines. San Manuel Fire Department’s hoses were old and worn out.
The addition of the new hoses will also compliment the department’s new fire truck. They will ensure an adequate water supply from hydrant to fire truck to the fire.
As part of the Allianz Group the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company is a premier casualty and property insurance company founded in 1863. Originally the company had a social mission to support the fire service.
They used to donate profits to firefighter’s families for firefighters that had died in the line of duty. In 2004, they renewed the commitment to award grants each year to Fire Departments in need of equipment, firefighter training and community education programs.
They have provided $29 million in grants to over 1900 fire departments in all 50 states including $310,000 awarded in Arizona. For more about Firemans Fund visit FiremansFund.com.
Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Arizonais a statewide non-profit trade association that is dedicated to improving the climate between agents and buyers within the insurance industry. The IIABAZ works with Fireman’s Fund to help direct needed grants to support the fire service. For more information about IIABAZ go to IIABAZ.com.
On Mon. Sept. 17, 2012 San Manuel Fire Department officials, firefighters, and executives and employees of IIABAZ and Fireman’s Fund came together at the San Manuel Fire Department for a public presentation of the grant.
Chief John Stanford opened the event by telling everyone about the history of the fire department, the area they serve, budget challenges, average number of emergency calls annually and other information about the fire department. He thanked the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Arizona and Fireman’s Insurance Company for selecting the fire department for the grant.
He recognized and thanked Drew Newton from the Mahoney Group for notifying the San Manuel Fire Department about the grant and helping them identify the fire department’s needs in applying for the grant.
It was Newton through the Mahoney Group that submitted the grant application. He then introduced the other speakers and people who helped with the project.
These included Joni Fairbrother from IIABAZ, Keely Henthorn, Fireman’s Fund, Lanny Hair IIABAZ and Michael Punches, Fireman’s Fund. The symbolic grant check was then presented to Chief Stanford.
The San Manuel Fire Department provides fire fighting and emergency response services to the San Manuel Fire District. It is composed of a five member Fire District Board, 22 employees and includes two paramedics and 16 EMT’s.
Thirteen of 18 employees are Firefighter I and II certified. Four employees are new recruits.
In 2010 they responded to 300 calls, 2011 handled 469 calls and in 2012 so far 341 calls. The fire department has received a total of $174,625 in grant money since 2003.
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