Scuttlebutt 11/19

Memorial Stair Climb Raises $115,000 for NFFF

Pierce Manufacturing Inc. reported that its seventh annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, in partnership with the Green Bay, WI, Metro Fire Department, raised more than $115,000 with all proceeds directly benefitting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). Nearly 2,200 members of the fire service, their families, friends and community members climbed the steps of historic Lambeau Field to pay tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives on 9/11.

“The events of September 11, 2001 motivated me, and many others in my profession, to become firefighters and serve our communities,” said Lt. Shauna Walesh, a firefighter with the Green Bay Metro Fire Department. “Over the past seven years, it has been an honor to help build awareness and share the mission of the NFFF, as well as climb alongside so many individuals and teams who come together to show they will never forget.”

The dedicated participants of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field ascended 110 stories—the height of World Trade Center Towers. Each climber wore a badge with the name and photograph of one of the fallen firefighters. At the equivalent of the 78th floor, the highest floor reached by a firefighter on 9/11, participants stated the name of the individual on their badge and rang a fire bell in their honor.

“It’s important to recognize that no community or fire department is invulnerable to the inherent risks firefighters face each day,” said Jim Johnson, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “The work of the NFFF is critically important, and it is an honor to partner with the Green Bay Metro Fire Department each year for a day of remembrance. At Pierce, we’re committed to supporting the fire service beyond the apparatus, and the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is just one way we can help maintain programs that support fire service survivors.”

The NFFF honors and remembers America’s fallen firefighters by providing resources to assist their families in rebuilding their lives. The organization also works within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. Through support networks, conferences, workshops and scholarships, the NFFF has led a nationwide effort to develop and expand programming for the entire fire service community.

For more information about Pierce Manufacturing, the NFFF and the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, visit piercemfg.com/climb.

VFIS Celebrates 50 Years of Serving First Responders

V FIS, a division of Glatfelter Insurance Group, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with associates and community leaders at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts in York, PA. The event featured presentations from VFIS leaders and regional directors on how Glatfelter has provided critical insurance coverage and meaningful support for fire departments and emergency service organizations across North America.

“We were the pioneers 50 years ago, and today we continue our work to meet the evolving needs and secure the future for first responders,” said Troy Markel, president of VFIS. “We look forward to many more years of serving with the same passion, commitment and genuine care that has become synonymous with VFIS since day one.”

Barbara Marzean, regional director of VFIS of Texas, presented Troy Markel, president of VFIS, with a proclamation from the Lone Star State commemorating the company’s landmark milestone.

Originally named Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Services, VFIS began when Arthur J. Glatfelter launched the first Accident & Sickness policy tailored for firefighters in 1969. Since then, the company has expanded both its coverages and services to include risk management education, training and consulting used by fire departments and emergency medical services countrywide.

“I recall Art telling me he would consider VFIS to be a tremendous success if we wrote one-third of the fire departments in Pennsylvania,” said Tony Campisi, president of Glatfelter Insurance Group. “Today, VFIS insures about 50 percent of the fire and EMS departments in the entire country.”

In addition to its specialized insurance solutions, VFIS holds a unique position in the market due to its immersion within the emergency services field. Many associates within Glatfelter serve or have served as emergency responders, with a combined 760+ years of experience.

For more information, visit vfis.com.

CA Firefighters Celebrate Baby Boom with Photo Shoot

It has been quite a busy year for the members of the Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Fire District. They have battled fires, rendered help to those in need … and changed a lot of diapers! Between March and July of this year, nine babies were born to crew members. To celebrate the blessings, the new parents posed for photos with their babies at the station.

The photo shoot was organized by the Rambaud family who thought it would be nice to commemorate this special moment of nine families in the department having nine babies in a five-month time span, something that has never happened in the department history. The pictures were posted on Facebook and Instagram and received national attention, according to Gabrielle Costello, the department’s community affairs senior coordinator.